What causes a baby's retina to appear red?

Redness in the back of an infant's eye may result from lack of sleep, crying, environmental irritants, conjunctivitis, or dacryocystitis. This can be improved through adequate sleep, soothing the baby, optimizing the environment, or medical treatment. If redness worsens, is accompanied by discharge, or if the infant frequently rubs their eyes and cries persistently, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Lack of sleep: Insufficient sleep duration or poor sleep quality in infants can impair ocular blood circulation, leading to redness in the back of the eye, typically without other discomfort. It is recommended to create a quiet and comfortable sleeping environment, ensure the infant gets sufficient daily rest, and avoid late hours.

2. Crying-induced irritation: Prolonged or intense crying causes eye congestion, resulting in redness of the eye fundus. Symptoms usually subside gradually once the infant calms down. It is advisable to soothe the infant promptly, reduce crying duration, and avoid excessive eye strain.

3. Environmental irritation: Dry air, excessive dust, or exposure to bright light can irritate the infant’s ocular mucosa, causing eye redness. Maintain appropriate indoor humidity, minimize dust accumulation, and avoid direct exposure of the infant’s eyes to strong light.

4. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacterial or viral infection leads to eye redness, often accompanied by increased eye discharge and tearing. Under medical guidance, medications such as tobramycin eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment may be used to alleviate symptoms.

5. Dacryocystitis: Bacterial infection following a blocked tear duct causes inflammation of the lacrimal sac, leading to redness in the eye. Pressing on the lacrimal sac area may result in pus discharge. As directed by a physician, treatments such as levofloxacin eye drops, tobramycin eye ointment, or physiological seawater nasal spray may help relieve discomfort.

Maintain good eye hygiene for the infant: gently wipe away discharge using sterile cotton swabs moistened with warm water. Avoid touching the infant’s eyes with hands, and regularly disinfect any items that come into contact with their eyes to support recovery.