Question

My child has a lot of eye discharge, especially in children under 3 years old. They often find it hard to open their eyes in the morning, and need to clean them with water or cotton swabs. The elders at home say this is because of ‘heat,’ and they have been taking cooling medicine for a month, but the situation has not improved. What could be the cause?

Answer

  1. For children under 1 year old, excessive eye discharge may be due to inwardly growing eyelashes that irritate the eyes. This condition usually improves naturally around the age of 1 and does not require special treatment. Simply use a warm towel to wipe or gently clean with a cotton swab soaked in a 2% boric acid solution.
  2. If a newborn has grayish-white material on their eyes, known as “vernix caseosa,” it serves to protect the skin and prevent heat loss and will absorb on its own; no wiping is necessary.
  3. Excessive eye discharge may also be due to internal heat in the child, often caused by poor dietary habits, such as consuming too many high-calorie foods while eating fewer fruits and vegetables. Treatment includes changing dietary habits, drinking more water, and taking symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication if necessary.
  4. If a child suddenly has an increase in eye discharge accompanied by itching and redness in the eyes, they may have “pink eye.” It is necessary to visit a hospital for examination, use specific eye drops and ointments, and emphasize personal hygiene, avoiding sharing bath items with others.