Eye Pain in Newborns Must Be Cautioned

Eye pain in newborns is certainly very worrying. The right step in overcoming it is very important, this is to prevent vision abnormalities later. Eye pain in newborns is known as neonatal conjunctivitis or ophthalmia neonatorum. Generally, this type of eye pain is one of the most common in the first month since the baby is born. Generally, babies who have this infection appear to remove eye discharge from the first day to two weeks after birth.

First One Month of Age

Causes of eye pain in newborns, among others, due to viral infections, bacteria, or chemical reactions. Some types of bacteria in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea found in the birth canal can infect the baby during the normal delivery process. There is also a herpes virus that is often the cause of eye pain in newborns. Eye pain in newborns is characterized by pain in the eyeball or pain when pressed, discharge from the eyes, and the eyelids appear to swell. In more rare cases, inflammation of the cornea of ​​the eye is seen. Some conditions that can increase the risk of eye pain in newborns include premature rupture of membranes, prolonged labor, or an increase in organisms in the vaginal canal during late trimester pregnancy.

How to overcome

To ascertain the causes and ways of dealing with eye pain in newborns, the doctor will conduct an examination. Like taking and examining samples of eye discharge, whether caused by viruses, bacteria or other causes. In addition, there are also other checks to see the possibility of damage from the surface of the eyeball. For eye pain in newborns due to eye drops at birth, generally the symptoms of swelling will disappear by itself. Then if eye pain is caused by blocked tear ducts, massage between the eye and nose area can help. This is mainly done before giving antibiotics. If this problem continues until the age of one year, the doctor will consider surgery. Eye pain in newborns due to bacteria, can generally be treated with antibiotics dripped or ointment. Special eye drops or antiviral ointments can be given for herpes infections in infants. Especially for eye pain in newborns due to gonorrhea bacteria, generally requires antibiotics given through infusion or intravenous therapy. If not treated properly, this condition can cause injury to the cornea of ​​the eye to blindness. Meanwhile, eye pain in newborns due to chlamydia, will require drinking antibiotics consumed by the baby. If sticky eye fluid seems annoying, parents can cleanse it using eye drops that contain salt (saline). In addition, give warm water compresses to the eyes to reduce swelling and irritation, Although breast milk is often referred to as being able to treat eye pain in newborns, it is recommended to consult with your doctor first. Breast milk that is generally dripped or added to other eye drops is believed to help treat eye pain due to viruses, bacteria or allergies. Do not underestimate the eye pain in a newborn baby, especially if it does not improve after some time or gets worse. Consult your doctor for appropriate and timely treatment.