Baby Red Eyes: Causes & Red Around Eyes Baby Teething

As a parent, few things bring as much joy as looking into your baby’s bright, beautiful eyes. So, when you suddenly notice that their eyes are red, puffy, or irritated, it is completely natural to feel a wave of worry.

Eye redness in infants is a very common issue, and in most cases, it is highly treatable. From simple fatigue to a blocked tear duct, the underlying reasons can vary greatly. Surprisingly, many parents notice a connection between tooth eruption and eye irritation, leading them to search for information on red eyes in babies due to teething. But is teething the culprit, actually?

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the real connection between teething and eye redness, uncover other common causes of baby red eyes, and provide you with doctor-approved advice on how to soothe your little one safely.
 

It may sound strange, but there is indeed a connection between your baby’s growing teeth and the redness on their face. If you are noticing red around the eyes, baby teething symptoms, you are not alone. Many parents observe that right before a new tooth breaks through the gums, their baby develops a reddish hue around the cheeks and eyes.

Here is why this happens:

• Referred Pain and Eye Rubbing: Teething is uncomfortable. The nerves in your baby’s mouth are closely connected to the rest of their face via the trigeminal nerve. When their gums throb, the discomfort can radiate upward. In response, babies will vigorously rub their cheeks, nose, and eyes, resulting in localised redness.
• Facial Flushing: Teething can cause a mild increase in body temperature (though it does not cause a true fever). This slight warmth, combined with the inflammation in their gums, can cause your baby’s cheeks to flush. This flush easily extends to the delicate skin directly beneath and around the eyes.
• Lack of Sleep: The pain of a cutting tooth often disrupts a baby’s sleep schedule. Just like adults, overtired babies can develop bloodshot or red, puffy eyes from sheer exhaustion.

While redness around the baby's eyes, baby teething is a common and usually harmless occurrence; it is important to ensure the redness is actually from teething and not an infection. If the eye itself is red, sticky, or producing discharge, it is time to look at other possible causes.

If your little one is not currently cutting a tooth, or if their eye redness is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, one of the following issues may be to blame.

Blocked Tear Ducts

It is quite common to see a newborn baby's eyes red and watery during the first few weeks of life. This is frequently caused by a blocked tear duct. Because a newborn’s tear ducts are incredibly narrow, they can easily become clogged. This prevents tears from draining normally, leading to pooling tears, mild redness around the eye, and sometimes a sticky, crusty discharge. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, most blocked tear ducts clear up on their own by the time a baby turns one.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye. It is a very frequent cause of baby red eyes and typically falls into three categories:

• Viral Pink Eye: Often accompanies a common cold. The eye will look red and watery. It is highly contagious but usually clears up on its own.
• Bacterial Pink Eye: Caused by bacteria, this type results in severe redness and a thick, sticky, yellow or green discharge that can glue the baby's eyelids shut after sleep. This requires antibiotic eye drops prescribed by a doctor.
• Allergic Pink Eye: Caused by irritants like pet dander, dust, or pollen. Both eyes will usually be red, watery, and very itchy.

Allergies and Environmental Irritants

Babies have incredibly sensitive skin and eyes. Exposure to harsh environmental factors can easily cause redness. Common irritants include:

• Cigarette smoke
• Strong perfumes or colognes
• Harsh laundry detergents
• Chlorine from a swimming pool
• Pet hair and dander

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

If the redness is strictly on the skin around the eye and not in the actual white of the eye, eczema could be the cause. Eczema often presents as dry, red, flaky, and itchy patches of skin. Because the skin around the eyelids is so thin, it is a very common place for baby eczema to flare up.

Buy Baby Lotion

If your baby’s eyes are red due to crying, fatigue, or mild redness around the eyes, or baby teething symptoms, there are several gentle, safe ways to soothe them at home.

• Use a Cool Compress: Soak a clean, soft washcloth in cool water, wring it out, and gently place it over your baby’s closed eyes for a few minutes. This can help reduce inflammation and soothe the urge to rub their face.
• Keep Hands Clean: Babies constantly touch their faces. Wash your baby's hands frequently with mild soap and water to prevent them from transferring bacteria from their hands into their eyes.
• Clean the Eyes Gently: If there is a small amount of crusting, use a clean cotton ball dipped in warm, sterile water. Wipe gently from the inner corner of the eye (near the nose) to the outer corner. Use a fresh cotton ball for each wipe to avoid spreading any potential infection.
• Provide Teething Relief: If you suspect redness around the baby's eyes, baby teething is the root cause; offer your baby a chilled (not frozen) teething ring. Relieving the gum pain will stop them from aggressively rubbing their face and eyes.
• Never Use OTC Drops Unadvised: Never put over-the-counter "redness relief" eye drops into a baby’s eyes unless specifically instructed by your paediatrician. These medications are not meant for infants and can be harmful.

While many cases of redness are mild and resolve on their own, a baby's vision is precious, and eye issues should never be ignored. You should schedule a visit with your paediatrician immediately if you notice any of the following "red flag" symptoms:

• Thick Discharge: If the eye is producing a thick, yellow, or greenish discharge, it is likely a bacterial infection that requires prescription antibiotics.
• Fever: If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C), seek immediate medical care.
• Swelling: If the eyelid or the area around the eye becomes significantly swollen, hot to the touch, or extremely red, it could be a sign of a serious skin infection called cellulitis.
• Signs of Pain: If your baby is crying inconsolably, keeping their eye squeezed shut, or seems highly sensitive to light, they may have a scratched cornea.
• Lack of Improvement: If the redness does not improve after a couple of days or if it progressively gets worse, consult a healthcare professional.

Seeing your baby uncomfortable is always tough for a parent. Fortunately, understanding the various causes of eye redness, from harmless red around the eyes due to baby teething friction to minor blocked tear ducts, can give you the peace of mind you need. By practising gentle hygiene, keeping an eye out for signs of infection, and knowing when to call your paediatrician, you can help ensure your little one’s eyes stay bright, healthy, and beautifully clear.