Urgent warning: If the affected eye has marked redness, the eyelid is swollen or the eye cannot be opened, there is corneal clouding or a change in vision, the baby has high fever, poor feeding or marked lethargy, seek same‑day care from a pediatrician or emergency department. General guidance: A single yellowish, oily (greasy) discharge in a newborn’s eye is common. Possible causes include tear duct obstruction (dacryocystosis), bacterial conjunctivitis, or neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum); these are possibilities, not diagnoses. A health professional will examine the baby and decide if tests or treatment are needed. Home supportive measures (not a substitute for medical advice): Wash hands thoroughly before touching the baby’s eye. Using a soft, clean cloth or cotton with warm (boiled and cooled) water, gently wipe discharge from the inner corner toward the outer corner; use a fresh cloth or cotton for each wipe. Do not put any fluid or ointment (including breast milk) into the eye unless advised by a clinician. If indicated, the clinician may teach tear‑duct massage technique or recommend further evaluation. When to see a clinician: If any urgent warning signs listed above are present, seek care the same day. If none are present, arrange a pediatric appointment soon; if there is no improvement within 1–2 weeks or the condition worsens, have the baby assessed. In the visit tell the clinician the baby’s age, how long the discharge has been present, whether it is increasing, and any fever, swelling, or feeding problems.
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