Swollen baby eyes can leave parents worried since eyes are delicate and essential organs. The swelling of the eyes can be of different intensities, depending on the underlying reasons. Sustained swelling may increase the risk of vision and other eye-related problems. Prompt identification and treatment can help improve outcomes and prevent complications. Read this post to know about the various reasons, home remedies, and treatment options for swollen eyes in babies.
Severity Of Baby’s Swollen Eyes
The swelling in a baby’s eyes includes swelling in the tissues of the eyelids, eyeballs, and the orbits where the eyeballs are located. The severity of eye swelling in babies can be determined through the following scale (1).
Mild swelling: The swelling is considered mild when the puffiness is limited to the eyelids, but they open normally. Moderate swelling: The eyes are more than puffy, but the eyes are still opening normally. Severe swelling: The eyelids’ swelling causes the eyes to shut or remain almost shut. There may also be swelling in the eyeball tissues, such as the conjunctiva and sclera (white of the eye).
What Causes Swelling In Baby’s Eyes?
There are several reasons for eye swelling, depending on whether one or both the eyes are affected (2).
Causes of swelling in one eye
Causes of swelling in both eyes
Besides these causes, an eye injury could also lead to swollen eyes in babies. If you notice swelling in one or both of the baby’s eyes after an injury, take your baby to a doctor immediately. If the injury is due to a chemical or substance entering the baby’s eyes, carry the container of the compound so that the healthcare providers may administer relevant antidote or remedy.
How Are Swollen Eyes In Babies Treated?
The treatment of swollen eyes depends on the cause and intensity of swelling. Mild and moderate swelling may not require any treatment. Severe swelling and some cases of swollen eyes may require the following treatment modalities.
Antibacterial eye drops may be advised in case of bacterial conjunctivitis (6).
Allergy-related swelling and conjunctivitis in the eye may require antihistamine drops and oral medication. Topical antibiotics may be prescribed for external eyelid swelling, such as due to a sty. Surgical correction of anomalies, such as tear duct blockage, may be needed in some cases. Serious infections, such as periorbital cellulitis, may require hospital admission and administration of intravenous antibiotics (7). Relevant treatment for other causes, such as nephrotic syndrome, may be needed to cure swollen eyes in some cases.
Home Remedies For Swollen Eyes In Babies
You may consider the following home remedies for mild to moderate eye swelling in babies (2).
If swollen eyes are due to an insect bite, it is usually harmless and resolves by itself. If the baby seems uncomfortable, you may apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a wet cloth to the affected eye for five minutes at a time for 20 minutes (1).
If your baby’s eye swelling is due to a sty, apply a warm compress for five minutes, three to five times a day. Use a clean washcloth each time.
If your baby’s eye swelling is due to contact dermatitis or allergy, avoiding the substance is the best way to relieve the swelling and prevent it from recurring (7).
When To See A Doctor?
The swollen eyelids’ severity and associated symptoms should guide you to decide if you must call your doctor. You must call your pediatrician and seek immediate care in the following cases (2).
Severe swelling in one or both eyes Eye swelling is accompanied by a fever
Eyelids or sclera appear red, swollen, and puffy Pus or fluid oozes from the eye Your baby shows signs of malaise or appears very sick
You may contact a pediatrician within 24 hours in the following cases.
Baby has one or two swollen eyelids with no fever and no effect on the baby’s routine Pain or tenderness in the eyelid with no other symptoms Periorbital swelling (swelling around the eyes) but no other symptoms Redness and mild swelling of the sclera but no fever
