15-month-old baby with runny eye, wakes up with glue or crusty eye. How do I treat it and should I see a doctor?

Question

Whitish and greenish color. He also has a runny nose, greenish color. I don't know if it's related. It has been hard for several days. Thanks

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello! What you are describing to me sounds like bacterial conjunctivitis, given the presence of greenish secretions. Since your child is very young, I would recommend that you consult with his or her pediatrician. While you are waiting for the consultation, you can clean your child's eyelid with wet gauze. For nasal secretions, there is a very helpful technique for reducing the amount of mucus that runs from the nose. To do this, you'll need a syringe (without a needle) and saline or distilled water, plain and simple. Then, depending on your child's age, the amount of water to use per nostril will differ a bit (between 3 mL and 10 mL per nostril). For details of the technique and the exact amount to use in your situation, refer to pages 6 and 7 of the following document . Waiting for the consultation, you can do this technique 2 to 4 times a day. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually not necessary related to nasal discharge unless it is caused by the same bacteria that causes conjunctivitis, which is also a reason for a pediatrician visit. Catherine Deslandes, pharmacy student Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist