Newborn Eye Discharge: Causes, Care, and When to See a Doctor Yellowish eye discharge in newborns is often due to blocked tear ducts, a common condition where tears don’t drain properly, leading to a buildup of fluid and mucus. Gently wiping the baby’s eyes with a warm, damp cotton pad can help keep the area clean. Another possible cause is conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which may cause redness or swelling around the eyes and a thicker discharge. If the discharge is greenish, the eye appears very