Question
My 5-month-old baby has eye discharge along with cold symptoms such as a runny nose, but has been taking children’s cold medicine and the symptoms have eased, except for the eye discharge which persists. The eye discharge is severe upon waking up, affecting the baby’s ability to open their eyes. I’m asking for improvement methods and whether it will affect eye development.
Answer
It is recommended to add a milk partner to the baby’s formula milk or warm water to alleviate the heat condition. Drink more warm water between feedings. For eye care, use unscented disposable cotton balls or gauze to gently wipe the eyes with physiological saline or warm water, from the inner corner of the eye outwards. Do not reuse the same cotton ball; change it after each wipe. If the situation does not improve after three days, or if the eye discharge becomes purulent, it may be necessary to consider an eye infection and seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, if the baby’s eyes tear up due to wind and the secretions are sticky, it may be due to excessive internal heat. Give the baby plain water to drink and observe for any improvement. If the situation does not improve, seek medical attention promptly to avoid affecting eye development.