Question
After 12 days of birth, the newborn’s right eye starts to discharge yellow mucus. How should it be handled?
Answer
This condition may be due to inflammation or blocked tear ducts. Inflammation can be treated with antibiotic eye drops such as Tobradex, which usually heals within a week. For blocked tear ducts, physical therapy can be tried, such as gently massaging from the inner corner of the eye along the nasal bridge downwards, or applying Tetryzoline eye drops. After a few days of massage, there may be improvement. If the situation does not improve, it is advisable to bring the child to the hospital for further examination, and in some cases, a tear duct surgery may be necessary.