Should We Head to Urgent Care for Our Baby's Eye Irritation?
A few details: our baby boy is 5.5 months old, approximately 26 inches tall, and weighs around 17 pounds. Main concern: his eye has become irritated following an incident where it may have been scratched or poked (we're uncertain about the exact cause). Hello, [r/AskDocs](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs)! Earlier this evening, around 5 PM, our little one scratched (or poked) his eye. Although I wasn’t a witness to the event, I heard him cry for about 30 seconds to a minute, after which he calmed down and contentedly finished his bottle. Since then, however, his eye has remained red and excessively watery for about an hour and a half to two hours leading up to bedtime. Initially, we weren't overly concerned, but a brief online search left us questioning whether we should take him to urgent care this evening to have a professional examine him for a possible scratch, or if it would be acceptable to wait and see how things look by morning.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 11:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your baby's eye irritation, especially after a potential injury. Here’s a summary of the key points and guidance regarding your situation.
Main Points: Your baby has redness and excessive tearing in the eye following a potential scratch or poke. While this could be caused by a minor injury, it’s crucial to monitor the symptoms closely to determine if urgent care is needed.
Explanation: Eye irritation in infants can result from various factors, including minor scratches, foreign bodies, or infections. Given your baby's age and the nature of the incident, it’s good that you are keeping a close eye on his symptoms. The fact that he calmed down quickly after crying is a positive sign. However, persistent redness and watering can indicate that the situation requires careful observation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep an eye on the affected eye for any changes over the next few hours. Look for increased redness, swelling, discharge (like pus), or signs of discomfort such as excessive crying or rubbing at the eye.
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Prevent Scratching: If your baby seems to be rubbing or scratching at the eye, consider using a soft cloth or a bandage to prevent further irritation while you monitor his condition.
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Apply a Cool Compress: If it seems suitable, you might gently apply a clean, cool compress to the eye for short periods to help reduce discomfort. Ensure that the compress is very clean to avoid any risk of infection.
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Check for Other Symptoms: Keep an ear out for any other signs like fever, fussiness, or changes in appetite. If these symptoms appear, it would increase the need for urgent care.
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Consider Urgency of Care: If the redness and tearing do not improve, or if symptoms worsen, it would be safer to seek medical evaluation. Additionally, if you see any purulent (thick, colored) discharge or the eye appears swollen, that suggests a need for immediate medical attention.
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious in such situations, but you're doing the right thing by seeking clarity. Keep monitoring him closely, and don’t hesitate to reach out for medical advice if you feel it’s needed.
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