Eye discharge in toddlers and babies is a common concern for parents. In most cases, it is caused by factors such as allergies, infections, blocked tear ducts, and more. Understanding the causes and appropriate treatments is crucial for ensuring your child’s eye health. Let’s explore the common reasons for eye discharge and how to manage it effectively, in this article written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya.
Dr Shibal Bhartiya is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator with over 25 years of experience. Her approach focuses on identifying risk before damage is irreversible, simplifying treatment decisions, and protecting vision long-term. Emphasis on early detection, risk assessment, and continuity of care. She is rated 5 stars across 1,500+ patient reviews on Google.
Causes of Eye Discharge in Toddlers and Babies
Normal Eye Discharge in Toddlers and Babies
It’s normal for infants and toddlers to have a small amount of discharge in the corner of their eyes. This can be attributed to mucus secreted during sleep or wiping the eyes with dirty hands.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Eye discharge is a common symptom of eye infections like viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral pink eye, often caused by a virus like the common cold, is usually watery and clear. Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, may produce more pus-like discharge and requires antibiotic treatment.
Allergies
Seasonal allergies or sensitivities to environmental factors can lead to allergic conjunctivitis, causing watery discharge. Severe reactions may even result in infections.
Stye
A stye, a painful bump on the eyelid, can cause redness, discomfort, and discharge. If a stye pops, yellow pus may be present.
Eye Injury or Foreign Body in the Eye
Injuries or foreign objects in the eye trigger a protective response, leading to watery discharge. Prompt evaluation by an eye doctor is crucial in such cases.
Blocked Tear Ducts in Infants
Obstructed tear ducts in babies can cause watery eyes and mild discharge. Gentle cleaning and massage may help unblock the tear duct. Any watering in a new born baby is significant, and you must contact your eye doctor for this.
How to Treat Eye Discharge in Toddlers and Babies
The treatment depends on the cause and severity. For mild cases, keeping the area clean and using warm compresses can be effective. Home treatments include avoiding irritants, wiping away discharge, and applying child-safe ointments or natural tears.
Can eye discharge in babies ever be a sign of congenital glaucoma?
Most cases of eye discharge in newborns and toddlers are caused by common conditions such as blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) or conjunctivitis. However, in rare cases, persistent watering or discharge may be an early sign of congenital glaucoma, a serious condition caused by high eye pressure present from birth.
Warning signs parents should watch for include excessive tearing (watery eyes in babies), unusual sensitivity to light (photophobia), frequent eye rubbing, a cloudy or hazy looking cornea, or eyes that appear larger than normal. Unlike simple tear duct blockage, congenital glaucoma usually causes discomfort and light sensitivity along with watering.
Although this condition is uncommon, early diagnosis is critical because untreated eye pressure can permanently affect vision development. Any baby with persistent eye watering, discharge, or unusual eye appearance should be evaluated by a pediatric ophthalmologist to rule out rare but important causes.
When to See a Doctor
Watch for symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, constant rubbing, trouble opening or closing the eye, yellow or green discharge, thick discharge, or persistent symptoms lasting more than a few days. If these signs are present, consult with an eye doctor promptly.
While many cases of eye discharge in toddlers and babies can be managed at home, it’s essential to recognize when professional help is needed. Regular monitoring and prompt action ensure the well-being of your child’s eyes. If in doubt, consult with your child’s pediatrician or eye doctor for proper guidance and care.
Read the Research Articles
This article was written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator, Clinical Director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, known for ethical, patient-centred glaucoma care and independent glaucoma second opinions. This article was edited in April 2026.
She has published peer-reviewed research on glaucoma management, examining how treatment decisions should balance medical evidence, patient preferences, and long-term vision outcomes.
As Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Experimental Vision and Eye Research and Executive Editor of the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice (Pubmed Indexed, official journal of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery), Dr Shibal Bhartiya brings editorial and research depth to every clinical decision. Her 200+ publications, including 90+ PubMed-indexed publications and 28 edited textbooks span glaucoma biology, surgical outcomes, health equity, and emerging diagnostics.
Her work can be accessed on Pubmed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and ORCID.
Dr Shibal Bhartiya
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