J.A.
I didn't catch if it was the 9 month old or the 2 year old with the eye irritation. If it is the younger child and you are still nursing, put some breast milk in it. The milk we produce has antibiotic properties and enzymes (besides 400+ nutrients!) that help break down the eye matter, is soothing and usually clears an eye irritation quite efficiently. Breast milk is also free, good for the environment and readily available.
Both our girls had small and often clogged tear ducts and milk was the only thing that helped. We avoided surgery and soon they grew out of it.
Good luck and enjoy your little ones!
J.