What You Need to Know About Eye Diseases in Newborns
Eye health in newborn babies is one of the most important issues that parents should pay attention to. What can be seen in babies' eyes? rash, watering ve burring Symptoms such as these may be a sign of various illnesses. Therefore, new parents should evaluate these symptoms correctly and consult a specialist doctor when necessary.
Neonatal Conjunctivitis
Neonatal conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye that occurs in the first month after birth. This condition is allergic, chemical or infectious The most common symptoms of neonatal conjunctivitis include: rash, swelling and discharge occur in the eyelids.
Causes of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can occur due to different causes. Here are some of them:
- Gonococcal Infection: In the first 2-5 days after birth, the baby shows symptoms of excessive yellow-green discharge, redness of the eyes, and inability to open the eyelids. This bacterial infection needs to be treated in the hospital.
- Chlamydial Conjunctivitis: It starts 5-19 days after birth. It first causes a white-watery discharge, then green crust. If left untreated, it can cause permanent staining of the cornea and vision loss.
- Herpesvirus Infection: It can be transmitted during birth from mothers who carry the genital herpes virus. It occurs in the first two weeks after birth and can cause ulcers to develop in the eye.
Tear Duct Obstruction
Lacrimal duct obstruction is a condition seen in 100 out of every 6 newborns. It usually presents symptoms after birth or within a few weeks of the start of tear production. This condition manifests itself with constant outflow of tears and redness and crusting around the eyelids that become more noticeable in the morning.
Treatment Methods for Tear Duct Obstruction
Tear duct obstruction usually clears up on its own before the baby reaches one year of age. However, it is possible to speed up this process with some treatment methods:
- Massage: Applying pressure to the tear duct, where the nose meets the eye, 30-40 times a day may be effective.
- Medication: When green crusting is seen, antibiotic drops and ointments can be used.
- Probing Process: In cases of tear duct obstruction that cannot be relieved by massage, a procedure called “probing” can be performed after the age of one.
The Importance of Eye Health in Babies
Protecting eye health in babies is an important issue that parents should pay attention to. Parents should not ignore any symptoms observed in their babies and should consult a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment play a major role in protecting eye health.
The Importance of Communicating with Expert Doctors
One of the most important responsibilities of parents is to get the right information and guidance from a doctor who is an expert in eye diseases in newborn babies. Eye disease specialists can eliminate concerns about the eye health of babies and determine the necessary treatment methods. In this way, babies are ensured to grow and develop healthily.
As a result
Eye health of babies is a matter that needs to be taken into consideration. It is important for parents to be informed in order to recognize and treat eye diseases in newborns. Consulting a specialist in eye diseases is necessary for a healthy future.
