What causes eye discharge in a three-month-old infant and how should it be managed?

Generally, eye discharge in a three-month-old infant may be caused by environmental factors, eyelash irritation, conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, corneal ulcers, or other reasons. Measures such as giving the infant more water, maintaining indoor temperature, and using medications as directed by a physician may be helpful. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow medical advice for treatment. Specific causes are as follows:

1. Environmental factors: If the infant's environment is excessively dry or the indoor temperature is too high, it may accelerate water evaporation from the body, leading to increased eye discharge. There may be no obvious discomfort symptoms. The indoor environment should be improved to maintain a suitable temperature and humidity. Avoid dressing the infant too warmly or covering with thick blankets to prevent overheating.

2. Eyelash irritation: Some infants may have trichiasis, where eyelashes grow inward, touching the eyeball and causing symptoms such as foreign body sensation, eye pain, and tearing, leading to increased eye discharge and discomfort. Parents can gently massage the infant's nasal bridge to help clear the nasolacrimal duct.

3. Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is usually caused by infection with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, resulting in an inflammatory response. Due to the inflammation, infants may show symptoms such as red and swollen eyes, foreign body sensation, increased eye discharge, and photophobia. Parents may use medications such as gentamicin sulfate eye drops, recombinant human interferon α2b injection, ribavirin eye drops, etc., under medical guidance to provide anti-inflammatory and antiviral treatment.

4. Dacryocystitis: Dacryocystitis is usually caused by blockage of the tear duct or nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears. Tears and bacteria accumulate in the lacrimal sac beneath the skin of the inner corner of the eye, leading to increased ocular discharge and even redness and swelling. Parents may use medications such as Houttuynia cordata eye drops, pranoprofen eye drops, moxifloxacin hydrochloride eye drops, etc., under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

5. Corneal ulcer: Corneal ulcers are usually caused by foreign objects, fingers, or fingernails injuring the cornea when the infant unintentionally rubs their eyes or from accidental trauma, leading to bacterial infection. This can cause increased eye discharge accompanied by itching. Parents should use medications such as Shuanghuanglian eye drops, compound neomycin sulfate eye drops, tobramycin eye drops, etc., under a doctor's guidance for anti-inflammatory treatment.

When eye discharge is observed in a three-month-old infant, parents should closely monitor changes in symptoms and pay attention to eye hygiene and care.