I have had continuous irritation in the inner corner of my left eye for the past two days. What could be causing this, and what should I do for relief?

Continuous irritation in the inner corner of the eye for a couple of days may be caused by dryness of the eye, dust or a small foreign particle, a mild infection, or blockage of the tear duct. Sometimes, frequent eye rubbing or exposure to screens, smoke, or pollution may also lead to this discomfort. You can start with simple care at home. Gently wash your eye with clean water to remove any irritants. Applying a clean, warm compress over the closed eye for five to ten minutes a few times a day can help soothe irritation and improve tear flow. Try to avoid touching or rubbing the eye, as this may worsen the problem. Using preservative-free lubricating eye drops may also provide relief. If you notice redness, swelling, discharge, pain, or blurred vision, or if the irritation does not improve within a few days, please consult an eye doctor for examination and appropriate treatment.

I have noticed swelling in my right eye since this morning. What might be causing it, and should I have it checked?

Swelling in one eye may be caused by a mild eye infection, such as a stye or conjunctivitis. An allergic reaction to dust, pollen, or cosmetics may also lead to swelling, often accompanied by itching. Sometimes, fluid can collect around the eye due to lack of sleep, excess salt intake, or rubbing the eye. Insect bites or minor injuries may also cause local swelling. In many cases, the swelling is mild and settles on its own within a day or two. You can try simple measures such as applying a clean, cool compress, avoiding rubbing the eye, and keeping the area clean. If you suspect an allergy, avoiding the trigger may help. However, if the swelling worsens, becomes painful, affects your vision, or is accompanied by fever or significant redness, please see an eye doctor for an examination and appropriate treatment, if required.

My 11-day-old baby has tearing and some discharge from the left eye. Is this normal, or could it indicate a problem?

Tearing and mild eye discharge are quite common in newborns, especially in the first few weeks of life, and are usually not serious. The most common cause is a blocked tear duct, which means that tears are not draining properly from the eye into the nose. This can lead to watering and a small amount of sticky or yellow discharge, especially after sleep. In most cases, this condition improves on its own over a few weeks or months as the tear duct opens naturally. You can help by gently cleaning your baby?s eye with clean cotton soaked in warm water. Always wipe from the inner corner of the eye outwards and use a fresh piece of cotton each time. Gentle massage over the inner corner of the eye, near the nose, may also help open the tear duct. However, you should watch for signs such as redness of the eye, swelling, or excessive discharge, as these may indicate an infection and require medical attention. If the problem persists for several weeks or worsens, it is best to consult a doctor for a thorough examination and guidance.