As a parent, it can be alarming to see your baby's eyes looking puffy and swollen. But fear not! This article will cover the most common causes of puffy eyes in babies with explanations that even a sleep-deprived parent can understand.
What are puffy eyes?
Before diving into the causes of puffy eyes, let's define what we mean by "puffy." When we say a baby has puffy eyes, we're referring to an area around their eye(s) where there is swelling or puffiness that may appear red or discolored. The skin in this area may also feel different from usual and is often accompanied by excessive tearing. With that said, let’s dive into our first subject!
Environmental irritants
Pollen, dust mites, pet dander: all things that adults learn to deal with as part of everyday life. Babies do not have such practical skills yet; their immune system is still building up defenses for themselves against these environmental challenges so they tend to react much more dramatically which could cause those pesky allergies making them look like tiny boxers who just got beaten up for no reason.
Airborne irritants
Not only are allergens capable of causing eye irritation but other airborne pollutants can also cause soreness around the eye region including smoke, cooking oils, perfumes & cleaning products (especially natural ones) which contain ethanol or liquid detergent at times.
To prevent/minimise any possible damage resulting from these contaminants one need always consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters and switching off lights at night since light attracts insects which carry pollen grains thus polluting indoor environment hence increasing chances allergic reactions.
Foreign Body in contact lens wearers
Non-medical foreign bodies should never come into contact with eyelids since after reaching deep layers injury might lead vessel disability. One cause of eye puffiness could also be a foreign body that has come into contact with the eye like eye makeup, clouded contact lenses or mascara smears.
Common Sign :- Calmly press finger horizontally across upper eyelid/solekum inspect corresponding small points on lower lid - presence of particle under either lid dilates pupil
If the baby is rubbing their eyes repeatedly despite your assurance to stop they can suffer from injury as well so it is important to source and remove the speculated foreign particles at once (or help put out their flame for you're more skilled readers).
Lack of sleep
Correct me if I am wrong but did you not at some point say "out like a light" when referring to someone who had dozed off quickly? Well, babies don't have an escape clause yet; they have no choice but 'grin-and-baby-it' which might manifest in tiny puffy eyes due to fluid retention caused by tiredness.
Lack of proper alignment before sleeping causes muscles around eyes laxity thus kidney damage hence fidgety newborns are always advised by pediatrician experts to get enough rest.
Sleep Apnea:
In normal situations where infants nap peacefully throughout day with ease and quick drift-off, certain respiratory/eating disorders might cut short those relaxing naps forcing them awake before proper recuperation has been made - this could just disrupt our PE schedule (puffy eyeballs) causing temporary facial distortions amongst others. It goes without saying that apneic episodes should be urgently referred for evaluation by medical professionals especially as we all know how fatal SIDs can be.
Infection
That dreaded word everyone hates generally, infections present themselves differently depending on severity and amount --same goes for baby's puffy little peepers!
Paronychia
Paronychia results from bacterial growth & subsequent proliferation within perifollicular area making nearby tissues -including eyelid- to become inflammed thus rendering ur baby with puffy, tingly & throbbing sensations whenever they blink away their tears.
Conjunctivitis
This type of infection is typically seen in newborns and can be passed on through direct contact or via maternal stress exposure by means of birth canal. It could lead to soreness, blurred vision as well a red/cloudy pupil if unchecked but are generally self-limiting however one could schedule an appointment with healthcare team for prompt medical support which guarantees no eye loss issues whatsoever!
Trauma
Pumpkin heads! If your little baller has attempted/done that trick where you throw them up up not really knowing what'll happen next make sure the ceiling isn't too high else what goes UP might come DOWN... HARD & OUCH cringes
We've all taken some comfortable knocks in our childhoods so let's cut the kids a break when they sadly have accidents. Triggers such as head injuries also induce fluid build-up around eyes leading to puffiness and any damage caused should be inspected minutely based on facial involvement exerted fully alongwith treatment paths measured accordingly.
Children categorized relatively low risk (Risk stratification method) -or under observation rather than immediate surgery- still require overnight hospitalization rates per one study conducted across pediatric hospitals since even minor head injuries could manifest few hours later several symptoms at bay including brain inflammation/swelling having shown remarkable improvement following surgical interventions.
Clearly enough made a compelling case right? Here’s some tips I found handy whilst doing my research; don’t judge me:
- Always keep allergens out of reach from babies.
2.Use air purifiers/Hepa filter-equipped vacuum cleaners
3.Switch off lights after night will prevent insect polination 4.Exercise better supervision over children, this helps with avoiding tripping etc.
In conclusion...
It's essential that parents remain vigilant when it comes to noticing any changes in their baby's eyes, especially if the symptoms persist for extended periods of time. By taking note of the common causes outlined above and monitoring your child closely, you’ll be well-equipped to know how best to help them regain their beautiful and clear gaze once again.
Stay alert!