Question
When a newborn is found to have a small blue swelling at the corner of their right eye at birth, the doctor says not to worry, as it will fade on its own. Parents want to understand the cause of this phenomenon and how to care for it.
Answer
A blue swelling at the corner of a newborn’s right eye may be due to congestion caused by pressure during the birthing process. If there is unilateral eye discharge, consider the possibility of dacryocystitis and/or epiphora. It is recommended to seek professional advice from an ophthalmologist. When there is a sensation of pressure and increased discharge in the inner corner of the eye, it may indicate dacryocystitis. Before administering eye drops, it is suggested to massage and express the secretion from the lacrimal sac first, followed by lacrimal sac massage for the child. During massage, pressure should be applied downward along the bridge of the nose to help tears flow into the lacrimal sac. If dacryocystitis is not treated appropriately, secretion may accumulate in the lacrimal sac, making treatment more difficult.