newborn variance in dilation of pupil

[snehpets]

I noticed at 2 weeks of age that my sons left eye had a yellowish discharge. After a week I took him into the doctor. The pediatrician said she did not see signs of infection but rather believed it may be a clogged tear duct. nonetheless she prescribed an antibiotic ointment to be administered in the eye for approx 7 days. The eye did not appear to repond to the antibiotic. I believe it was a clogged duct as on one occassion the eye expelled the discharge when I massaged the bridge of his nose as recommended. At 4 weeks he was back to normal.

At 6 weeks I noticed that same eye would dilate much larger than his right eye at different times in the day. Most of the time both his pupils appear to be even in dilation but when the difference in dilation occurs the size is drastically different and visually noticable. The baby is now 7 weeks old and due to see the pediatrician for his 2 month check up in a week.

Is this change something that could be  a temporary side effect of the medication or are these symptoms of an actual condition? Does the difference in the dilation mean he is not seeing properly? Is there anything I can do to help train, condition or strengthen the eye? What questions should I be asking my pediatrician, or what screening can i have her do for me?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

If you child seems sick or injured or "not normal" go to ER or call your pediatrician. If otherwise seems fine and still there tomorrow call your pediatrician and take in to examine.
JC MD

[danp815]

my one month old baby left eye is dialated different from her right eye, This just started today and I'am concerned.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You are welcome, Merry Christmas.

JCH III MD

[snehpets]

thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Those are two entirely different problems.

1. Blocked tear duct is the most common cause of a chronic conjunctivitis and pus/discharge in the eye for infants. Generally what you are doing is tried: antibiotic drops or ointment and massage the tear duct down-ward toward the nose. If it fails to open by age 4-6 months then an ophthalmologist eye MD irrigates and problems the tear duct under general anesthesia as an outpatient.

2. None of the above should cause the pupil to be dilated neither the medication nor the blocked tear duct. I would suggest you ask your pediatrician for a referal to a pediatric ophthalmologist eye MD for an evaluation of both problems.

JCH III MD