Blocked Tear Duct

What causes watery sticky eyes in babies?

Conjunctivitis

Most babies with sticky watery eyes have conjunctivitis.

Check the information about conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis can last from 2 days to sometimes as long as 3 weeks. It gets better with treatment.

Blocked tear ducts

Some babies can have sticky eyes which don't get better. This can happen if the tear ducts become blocked. Tear ducts drain tears from the eyes to the nose.

Blocked tear ducts often get better by themselves. If your baby still has sticky watery eyes at about 12 months of age, they may need a small operation to open the tear duct. 

See your family doctor if your baby still has watery sticky eyes when they are 10 to 12 months. 

Your baby won't spread any germs from a blocked tear duct so they can still go to daycare.

See the KidsHealth section on eyes