From the Guidelines
Babies' eyes do not produce extra discharge due to lack of sinus development. The eye discharge (often called "sleep" or gunk) in babies is typically caused by blocked tear ducts, which are common in infants because their nasolacrimal ducts (tear drainage system) are still developing and may be narrower than in adults 1. About 20% of newborns have at least one blocked tear duct at birth. This blockage prevents tears from draining properly from the eye into the nose, causing tears to back up and create discharge. The condition usually resolves on its own by the baby's first birthday as the ducts naturally widen.
Some key points to consider:
- The study from the journal Ophthalmology 1 provides guidance on conjunctivitis, but does not directly address the relationship between sinus development and eye discharge in babies.
- The clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of acute bacterial sinusitis in children aged 1 to 18 years 1 provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis, but does not address the specific question of eye discharge in babies due to lack of sinus development.
- Parents can gently clean the discharge with a warm, damp washcloth and may perform gentle massage of the tear duct area (the inner corner of the eye near the nose) to help open the ducts.
- If discharge is excessive, yellow/green, or accompanied by redness or swelling, medical attention should be sought as these could indicate an infection requiring treatment.
It's essential to note that the lack of sinus development is not a direct cause of extra eye discharge in babies, and the primary concern should be the potential for blocked tear ducts or other underlying conditions that may require medical attention.
From the Research
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants
- The production of extra gunk in babies' eyes can be related to nasolacrimal duct obstruction, which is a common condition in infants 2.
- This condition is characterized by excessive tearing or mucoid discharge from the eyes due to blockage of the nasolacrimal duct system.
- The blockage can result in maceration of the skin of the eyelids and local infections, such as conjunctivitis, which may require antibiotics.
Sinus Development and Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that lack of sinus development is a primary cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants.
- However, studies have shown that allergic fungal sinusitis can cause nasolacrimal duct obstruction in some cases 3.
- Additionally, allergy has been found to play a role in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, with a high incidence of allergic rhinitis found in patients with this condition 4.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment options for nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants include conservative therapy, such as observation, massage of the lacrimal sac, and antibiotics, or probing the nasolacrimal duct to open the membranous obstruction 2.
- Bicanalicular silicone intubation has also been found to be an effective tool in the management of acquired punctal stenosis or obstruction secondary to allergic conjunctivitis 5.
- The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the presence of any underlying allergies or infections.