Hamsters are generally healthy pets, but when they have a health issue, it’s normal to feel concerned. If your hamster has been squinting in only one eye, what does this mean, and what should you do?
Your hamster is squinting in one eye because there is a foreign object in its eye. The eye may be irritated, infected, or have a corneal ulcer. It’s best to take your hamster to the vet if it’s squinting in one eye.
In this article, I’ll discuss the above-mentioned conditions in more detail, and I’ll provide some ways to prevent future eye problems in your hamster. Let’s get started!
4 Reasons Your Hamster Is Squinting
Let’s take a look at some common reasons your hamster is squinting in one eye:
- Your Hamster Has an Irritated Eye
Eye irritation is relatively common in hamsters. Foreign objects can enter the eye and cause discomfort. If you suspect this is the case, look at your hamster’s eye to check if it has any foreign objects. Always use a clean tissue or a sterile cloth when touching your hamster’s eye.
The irritation can be caused by something as small as a dust particle. Your hamster’s bedding could cause eye problems, especially if you use dusty wood shavings.
Check the bedding for splinters or tiny fragments and remove them from your hamster’s enclosure. If you suspect something tiny has entered your hamster’s eye, it is best to take it to the vet for a more thorough examination. The vet can flush the eye with a saline solution, which will likely instantly help your hamster.
- Your Hamster Has Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye
Hamsters can be susceptible to eye infections. Eye infections can cause crusting around the eye, making it impossible to open or close it properly. Squinting may be how your hamster is trying to ease the discomfort.
Conjunctivitis and pink eye are common eye infections in hamsters. These infections can happen for various reasons:
- Injuries
- Bite wounds
- Bacterial infections
- Dirty bedding
You can recognize pink eye by the redness of the eyelids. However, don’t confuse eye redness with eyelid redness because some hamsters naturally have bright ruby eyes. Pink eye can cause other symptoms:
- Clear and watery eye discharge
- Sticky or crusty eyelids
- Eyelid swelling
If you suspect that your hamster has an eye infection, take it to the vet as soon as possible. After examining your hamster, the vet may prescribe eye drops or antibiotics.
- Your Hamster Has Sticky Eye
The older the hamster, the more likely it is to have a sticky eye. When hamsters sleep, their eyes produce secretions. However, sometimes the secretions dry up, and the hamster cannot open one or both eyes.
This is not an infection and doesn’t present with tenderness, redness or pain. If you suspect your hamster has sticky eye, here’s what you need to do:
- Clean the eye gently with either a cloth or gauze. Choose a sterile fabric to prevent creating an eye infection. Do not use cotton balls because they may leave tiny fibers behind in your hamster’s eye.
- Dip the gauze in lukewarm water. Keep it moist but not dripping wet.
- Place the gauze on the affected eye.
- Don’t rub. It’s enough to keep the cloth on the eye to loosen the crust.
- Leave it on for one to two minutes.
4. Your Hamster Has a Corneal Ulcer
In rare cases, squinting in hamsters can be caused by a corneal ulcer. Hamsters enjoy scratching themselves and can sometimes accidentally scratch their eyeballs, resulting in a corneal ulcer.
If you suspect your hamster has a corneal ulcer, look for other symptoms, such as a loss of appetite or lethargy. You have little to worry about if there is no discharge or swelling and the eye is clear. Otherwise, to remove any doubts, take the hamster to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing Hamster Eye Problems
The best way to prevent your hamster from developing eye problems in the future is to keep its cage clean. You should change the bedding regularly, at least once a week, to prevent bacteria from building up.
If you have other pets at home and you often let your hamster out of its cage, consider supervising the play. Another pet could accidentally scratch your hamster’s eye, so encouraging gentle play is a good idea.
Finally, if you notice minor eye irritation in your hamster, take action as soon as possible by treating it at home or taking it to the vet. This can prevent the condition from worsening and causing your hamster more distress.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to hamster eye problems, beware of redness and discharge. You should also pay attention to overall hamster well-being. If the hamster seems well and there are no visible changes around the eye, you might wait it out. If the problem persists, visit your nearest vet.