Eyemax 2 lamp phototherapy mask, used on Hank Falconer in April 2016 during his treatment for mild jaundice, regular size, by Maxtec, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States, 2015-2016

Neonatal jaundice is where there is a build up of bilirubin in a new-born’s blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when red blood cells are broken down. This causes yellowing of their skin and the whites of their eyes. For most babies, this usually gets better without treatment by the time they are two weeks old, and their liver is more fully developed.

However, some babies require treatment called phototherapy. Blue light is used to break down the bilirubin. The treatment is stopped when bilirubin levels, checked by blood tests, have fallen to a safe level, usually over a day or two. Goggles are used to protect the baby’s eyes from the blue light.