There could be instances when you may notice watery eyes in babies without them crying. It is usually a condition seldom to worry about since some infants could have watery eyes without crying. Several conditions and factors may lead to watery eyes in infants. Most of the causes are harmless and manageable by parents, while some could be due to a medical condition. This post explains why a baby’s eyes are watery and what parents should do in such a case.
What Causes Watery Eyes In Babies?
Watery eyes (medical term: Epiphora) is due to the excess presence of tears in the eyes. The following are the main reasons why a baby could have watery eyes.
1. Common cold
Babies and children have more colds per year than adults. A common cold is one of the prominent reasons for watery eyes (1). During a common cold, white blood cells fight infection and produce substances that cause inflammation of the nasal mucosa. They also dilate blood vessels in the area, resulting in nasal congestion and a runny nose. A similar process happens in the tear duct, bringing tears from the eye to the nose. This causes the duct to clog and thus build up tears in the eye.
2. Eye infections
One of the first signs of an infected eye is excessive tear secretion. Several eye infections can lead to watery eyes in babies, with one of the most common infections being conjunctivitis. Also called a pink eye, the infection can lead to watery eyes (2). A baby with conjunctivitis will also have other symptoms such as redness and constant irritation of the eyes. Another infection that can cause watery eyes in babies is a stye, which occurs due to the infection of the oil or sweat gland on the eyelid (3). A stye causes a painful red bump on the eyelids.
3. Allergies
If your baby has an allergy, then they may have watery eyes as one of the symptoms (4). Babies can be allergic to anything from pollen in the air to the fur of your family pet. Watery eyes triggered by allergies are likely to be spotted more easily due to the presence of other symptoms like skin hives and swelling of the face. Some of the common allergies that could cause watery eyes in babies are conjunctivitis and hay fever. In either of the conditions, medical intervention is advised.
4. Blocked tear ducts
Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland located above the eye. Once the tears have moved through the surface of the eye, they enter two tiny holes within the inner corner of the eye. Each hole leads to a duct. The two ducts enter a larger tube, which is the tear duct, also called the nasolacrimal duct. The tear duct is thus responsible for draining excess tears from the eye into the nasal cavity (5). A blockage in the tear duct can prevent tears from draining into the nasal cavity. Excess tears in the eye can make it watery. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 20% of newborns have blocked tear ducts at birth. But the condition resolves within the first four to six months of life (6). Reasons for a blocked tear duct in babies can range from eye infections, craniofacial abnormalities, and even an injury to the face. Tear duct infection, called dacryocystitis, is a collateral condition that can occur due to the blocked tear ducts (7). Dacryocystitis also causes watery eyes.
5. Nasal and upper respiratory infections
Watery eyes, along with a runny nose, are among the symptoms of upper respiratory infections like a common cold (8). Other infections that affect the upper respiratory system, especially the nasal cavity, may also lead to watery eyes in babies.
6. Nasal anomalies, injuries, and foreign bodies
Conditions like nasal polyps and tumors around the tear duct can block them, leading to watery eyes (9). Injuries to the face, especially to the bones around the eyes and nose, can damage the tissue. The eyes may become teary as a result of it. The presence of a foreign body can cause the baby’s eyes to become watery as well. The baby’s eyes can get watery due to simple reasons such as the presence of an eyelash in the eye. So how does one know when to see a doctor for the baby’s watery eyes?
When Should You Visit A Doctor For Baby’s Watery Eyes?
See a doctor if the following symptoms accompany a watery eye (10):
Redness and inflammation of the eye tissue Drainage of pus or yellow discharge from the eye Eyes are chronically sticky Swelling of the eyelids Swelling of the nose, throat, or a part of the face Irritation and fussiness that interferes with eating and sleeping Associated systemic symptoms like fever, not feeding well, reduced activity
The doctor will diagnose the underlying cause through an examination of the eye and some tests if required.
Treatment For Watery Eyes In Babies
The treatment depends on the cause. The following are the common medications used for treating watery eyes in babies (11):
Antibiotic eye drops against the bacterium that has caused conjunctivitis. Eye drops to control tears and restrict the excess tear formation in the eyes. Oral medicines can be antibiotics for the respiratory system infections. Antihistamines help control allergies by regulating the response of the immune system, thus subduing the symptoms like watery eyes. A massage to ease blocked tear ducts can ease out the blockage gently in the case of a congenital blocked tear duct. Parents are shown how to perform the massage correctly.
Treatment of nasal polyps and tumors may be specific to the case and can significantly vary. In the case of a viral cold, you will have to wait for the baby’s immune system to clear the pathogen on its own. The time taken for the recovery can vary as per the cause. In the meantime, you may want to do something about the condition at home. Next, we tell you about the home remedies for watery eyes in the baby.
Home Remedies For Watery Eyes In Babies
The eyes are delicate and should be handled with extreme care. Before you try a remedy to treat an eye-related condition such as teary eyes at home, consult the doctor (12). Here are a few home remedies you can try to alleviate the baby’s discomfort.
Avoid exposure to bright light or intense sunlight that may irritate the eyes. Provide adequate fluids to the baby when they have a cold. Keep the room well humidified using a humidifier. It can help lessen the irritation in the eyes. Keep the baby in a dust-free environment to prevent further irritation of the eyes. Lastly, use baby-safe, preferably antiseptic, wipes to wipe away any tears or mucus from the face. Do not use a wipe on the eyes or eyelids directly.
You can also minimize the risk of, and in some cases prevent, watery eyes by taking a few preventive measures.
How To Prevent Watery Eyes In Babies?
You can prevent watery eyes by mitigating the causes of the condition: Keeping your baby safe from injuries is also a way to avoid watery eyes.
