Question
Ten days after birth, the newborn’s eyes started to produce eye boogers and exhibit symptoms of tearing. Chloramphenicol eye drops and erythromycin ointment were used, then switched to Tobi, but the symptoms did not improve. There is still eye boogers near the inner corner of the lower eyelid.
Answer
Under normal circumstances, a 2 to 3-month-old baby may have eye boogers on their eyes when they wake up in the morning. This is because during this period, eyelashes tend to grow inward, causing friction and irritation to the eyes. Generally, this condition will improve automatically around the age of 1 and does not require treatment. You can use a warm towel to clean the eyes or gently wipe with a cotton swab soaked in a 2% boric acid solution. If you notice a grayish-white substance on the baby’s eyes, it may be “vernix caseosa,” which protects the skin and prevents heat loss and will absorb on its own; there is no need to wipe it off.