Eye discharge in babies is generally caused by tear ducts that have not fully developed, irritation, or a mild infection. Safely addressing eye discharge in babies can be done by properly cleaning the eyes using cotton pads or cotton buds and warm water, as well as maintaining cleanliness.
Ever noticed your little one's eyes looking sticky or filled with discharge upon waking up? Eye discharge in babies is quite common and can cause concern for moms. Before trying various methods, first find out the causes and the right steps to address eye discharge in babies.
Generally, eye discharge in babies is not a dangerous condition. However, Moms still need to know the causes, how to properly clean the eyes, and the signs that require a doctor's examination to ensure the Little One's eye health is maintained.
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Is It Normal for Babies to Have Eye Discharge?
Eye discharge in babies is a condition that occurs quite frequently, especially in newborns. Usually, the discharge appears because the baby's tear ducts have not fully opened, causing tears and debris to accumulate in the corner of the eye.
Pada umumnya belekan terlihat seperti cairan bening, putih, or kekuningan yang muncul setelah bayi tidur. Jika tidak disertai mata merah, bengkak, or demam, kondisi ini tidak berbahaya dan bisa membaik dengan perawatan sederhana di rumah.
However, Moms still need to pay attention to the amount of discharge and the condition of the Little One's eyes. If the discharge increases or is accompanied by signs of infection such as red or swollen eyes, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
Causes of Eye Discharge in Babies
Eye discharge in babies can occur due to various factors. Some causes are mild and can improve with simple home care, while others require medical attention.
1. Blocked Tear Duct
Blocked tear duct or nasolacrimal duct obstruction A blocked tear duct or nasolacrimal duct obstruction is the most common cause of eye discharge in babies. This condition occurs when the duct that functions to drain tears into the nasal cavity has not fully developed after birth.
As a result, tears cannot flow properly, causing them to accumulate in the eyes. This fluid buildup then mixes with dust and mucus, leading to the appearance of discharge.
2. Conjunctivitis
Konjungtivitis adalah peradangan pada konjungtiva, yaitu lapisan tipis yang melapisi bagian putih mata dan kelopak mata bagian dalam. Kondisi ini dapat disebabkan oleh adenovirus, or adanya alergi terhadap debu, tungau, or bulu hewan peliharaan. Selain belekan, konjungtivitis biasanya disertai mata merah, bengkak, dan berair.
3. Baby's Dry Eyes
Dry eyes in babies are indeed less common than in adults. However, this condition can occur due to exposure to dry air, excessive use of air conditioning, or suboptimal tear production.
When the surface of the eye becomes dry, the body naturally produces additional mucus that tends to be clear, watery, or in the form of thin strands as a form of protection. This mucus can then appear as eye discharge or white eye gunk in the corner of the child's eye.
4. Bacterial Infection Staphylococcus or Streptococcus
Bacteria that often cause eye infections in infants include Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Infeksi bakteri tersebut menyebabkan produksi kotoran mata si Kecil menjadi lebih banyak. Belekan yang disebabkan bakteri tersebut biasanya berwarna kuning pekat or kehijauan dan membuat kelopak mata menjadi lengket.
If not properly treated, the infection can spread to the tissues around the eyes, such as the eyelids, the soft tissues around the eye socket, and can even block the tear ducts of the little one. This condition cannot be resolved by merely cleaning it, but must be further examined by a doctor.
5. Iritasi
Paparan asap rokok, debu, bulu hewan, parfum, or produk perawatan tertentu dapat menyebabkan iritasi pada mata bayi. Iritasi membuat mata memproduksi lebih banyak air mata dan lendir sebagai mekanisme perlindungan alami.
This condition usually does not cause infection, but it can still make the little one feel uncomfortable. Discharge due to irritation will generally decrease after the source of the irritation is removed.
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How to Treat Eye Discharge in Babies
Mata bayi belekan paling sering terjadi karena saluran air mata yang tersumbat or belum berkembang sempurna. Selain itu, mata bayi belekan juga dapat dipicu oleh iritasi ringan akibat debu, paparan asap, or infeksi mata. Oleh karena itu, penting bagi Moms untuk membersihkan mata si Kecil dengan cara yang tepat agar kondisi tidak semakin parah.
Wash your hands with soap before and after cleaning your little one's eyes.
Siapkan kapas or cotton bud yang baru dan juga air hangat.
Basahi kapas or cotton bud dengan air hangat lalu usap mata si Kecil dari sudut bagian dalam ke sudut bagian luar secara perlahan.
Ulangi beberapa kali mengusap mata si Kecil sampai bersih dari belek dan kerak. Moms juga perlu mengganti kapas or cotton bud tiap kali mengusap. Satu kapas hanya digunakan untuk satu kali usapan.
Hindari berbagi handuk or kain lap bayi untuk menghindari risiko kontaminasi bakteri.
Things to Watch Out for in Babies with Eye Discharge
In addition to understanding how to safely treat a baby's eye discharge, Moms also need to recognize the warning signs that require a doctor's attention.
1. Munculnya Kotoran Mata Berwarna Kekuningan or Kehijauan
Kotoran mata yang berwarna kuning pekat or kehijauan dapat menjadi tanda adanya infeksi bakteri, seperti Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. The bacteria can trigger inflammation in the eyes, resulting in a thicker discharge compared to regular eye discharge.
The fluid containing white blood cells, bacteria, and dead body tissue makes the discharge color thicker. If this condition persists for more than a few days, immediately consult a doctor.
2. Presence of Pus in the Little One's Eye
Nanah pada mata merupakan tanda bahwa tubuh sedang melawan infeksi. Kondisi ini berbeda dengan belekan biasa yang hanya berupa lendir or kotoran mata ringan. Nanah biasanya membuat mata tampak sangat lengket dan sulit dibersihkan.
If Moms find pus in the Little One's eye, a medical examination is necessary to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
3. The White Part of the Eye Becomes Reddish
Kemerahan pada bagian putih mata dapat menjadi tanda peradangan or infeksi akibat bakteri maupun virus pada selaput mata yang disebut konjungtiva. Jika kemerahan ini disertai belekan dalam jumlah banyak, mata berair, or si Kecil tampak tidak nyaman, sebaiknya segera konsultasikan ke dokter untuk mendapatkan penanganan yang tepat sesuai penyebabnya.
4. Upper Eyelid Swelling
Kelopak mata yang membengkak dapat menandakan adanya infeksi pada jaringan sekitar mata. Pembengkakan biasanya terjadi karena penumpukan cairan akibat proses peradangan. Kondisi ini perlu diwaspadai terutama jika disertai demam, kemerahan, or nyeri saat area mata disentuh. Penanganan yang terlambat dapat meningkatkan risiko komplikasi.
5. The Little One Seems to Frequently Rub Their Eyes and Appear in Pain
Bayi belum dapat menjelaskan rasa tidak nyaman yang dirasakannya. Karena itu, perubahan perilaku seperti sering menggosok mata, menangis lebih sering, or tampak kesakitan bisa menjadi petunjuk adanya masalah pada mata.
Rasa gatal, nyeri, or sensasi mengganjal akibat infeksi dapat membuat si Kecil lebih rewel dibandingkan biasanya. Kondisi ini sebaiknya tidak diabaikan.
6. The Little One Struggles to Open Both Eyes
The buildup of eye discharge can make the eyelids sticky upon waking up. However, if the little one continuously struggles to open their eyes throughout the day, this condition requires special attention.
Kesulitan membuka mata dapat disebabkan oleh infeksi berat, pembengkakan, or produksi kotoran mata yang berlebihan. Pemeriksaan dokter diperlukan untuk mengetahui penyebab pastinya.
How to Prevent Eye Discharge in Babies
Maintaining the cleanliness of a baby's eye area is a primary step to prevent eye discharge. In addition, simple daily habits can also help reduce the risk of irritation and infection in the Little One's eyes.
1. Keep Your Hands Clean Before Touching the Baby's Eyes
Tangan merupakan media utama penyebaran kotoran. Oleh karena itu, Moms perlu mencuci tangan menggunakan sabun dan air mengalir sebelum membersihkan wajah or area mata si Kecil.
This habit helps reduce the transfer of microorganisms that can cause eye infections. Clean hands also maintain the health of a baby's skin, which is still very sensitive.
2. Use Clean Towels and Washcloths for Baby
Towels and washcloths that are used repeatedly can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not washed regularly. It is advisable for the little one to have a dedicated towel that is not shared with other family members.
Make sure the towel is washed using baby-safe detergent and dried thoroughly. Damp fabric is at risk of becoming a breeding ground for infection-causing microorganisms.
3. Avoid Exposure to Cigarette Smoke and Air Pollution
Asap rokok mengandung zat kimia seperti nikotin, karbon monoksida, formaldehida, amonia, dan benzena yang dapat mengiritasi mata dan saluran pernapasan bayi. Paparan polusi udara juga dapat menyebabkan mata berair dan meningkatkan produksi kotoran mata.
Maintaining air quality around your little one can help keep their eye health optimal. Ensure that the home environment has good air circulation and is smoke-free.
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Conclusion
Cara mengatasi mata bayi belekan dengan aman dimulai dengan membersihkan mata si Kecil menggunakan kapas bersih dan air hangat, serta menjaga kebersihan tangan sebelum menyentuh area mata. Moms juga perlu memperhatikan tanda-tanda seperti mata merah, bengkak, keluar nanah, or bayi tampak kesakitan karena kondisi tersebut dapat mengindikasikan infeksi yang memerlukan penanganan medis.
In addition to maintaining your little one's eye health, the daily comfort of the baby is also important to consider, especially when the baby is actively moving and going through their growth and development phase. MAKUKU Comfort Fit comes with a design that fits the baby's body perfectly, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
Equipped with SAP Thin Core technology with high absorbency, this diaper helps keep your baby's skin dry and comfortable during activities. With soft materials and maximum protection, MAKUKU Comfort Fit can be the right choice to accompany your little one's active days more comfortably and cheerfully. MAKUKU Comfort Fit can be the right choice to accompany your Little One's active days with more comfort and cheerfulness.
FAQ
1. Can a baby's eye discharge be contagious?
If caused by an infection such as conjunctivitis, eye discharge in babies can be contagious through direct contact.
2. Can you clean a baby's eyes with wet wipes?
Avoid cleaning a baby's eyes with discharge using wet wipes because of the chemical content such as alcohol, fragrance, dan pengawet bisa memicu iritasi. Gunakan kapas or kain lembut dengan air hangat.
3. When do a baby's tear ducts usually open completely?
Most of a baby's tear ducts will open perfectly before the age of 1 year.
4. Does eye discharge affect a baby's vision?
In mild conditions, it usually does not affect vision, but untreated infections can lead to more serious problems.
5. What are the advantages of SAP Thin Core technology in MAKUKU diapers?
The SAP Thin Core technology in MAKUKU helps absorb liquid more quickly and evenly, keeping the diaper thin, comfortable to use, and maintaining the baby's skin dryness.
6. How to choose the right size of MAKUKU diapers for your baby?
Moms can choose the diaper size based on the child's weight according to the size guide on the MAKUKU packaging to ensure the diaper fits well, is comfortable, and does not leak easily.
