| Eye problems in newborns can include matting, or a green discharge, which is usually caused by irritation from the eye ointment that was placed after he was born or by a blocked tear duct. It can also be caused by an infection (conjunctivitis), especially if the white part of the eye is red, and you should notify your doctor if the mother had a sexually transmitted disease (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) or if the discharge does not quickly clear up.
Blocked tear ducts (dacryostenosis) are very common and usually clear up on their own by the time your baby is a year old. It can cause some matting of the eye, and persistent tearing. Until then, you should wipe away any discharge with a warm cloth. You can also gently massage the side of the upper part of your baby's nose to try and open up the duct. If your baby has a lot of discharge that needs to be wiped away more than a few times a day, then he may need an antibiotic and you should see your doctor.
Subconjunctival hemorrhages occur because of pressure during the birth process. It causes a red streaking of the white part of the eye and it will go away in a few weeks.
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