While sleeping, your hamster's eyes will secrete fluid to keep the eyeballs moist. If the fluid drips and dries around the eyelids, it will make it difficult for the hamster to open his eyes. This is common with all hamsters, especially the older ones. Fortunately, this condition is not usually a medical emergency, and you can treat it yourself at home.
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Part 1 of 2: Checking for Other Health Problems
Step 1. Check for foreign objects in the hamster's eyes
One of the reasons a hamster's eyes are watery or closed is that something has gotten into their eyes. If this is the case, there won't be any eye wax sticking to the eyes, so you can open your hamster's eyes and have them checked. If there is dust or grit in his eyes, you can use a cotton swab dipped in lukewarm water to gently remove any foreign objects in the hamster's eyes. If the object does pierce the eye, don't try to remove it, as this could damage the hamster's eye further. Take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible.
Step 2. Check for pink eye symptoms
Animals can also get conjunctivitis which is commonly referred to as pink eye. This condition is usually harmless to your hamster, but you should still see your vet to make sure your pet is getting better. Schedule a visit to the vet if your hamster exhibits any of the following symptoms.
- Watery eye discharge. This watery stool will turn into pus if left unchecked.
- Close eyelids.
- Swollen eyes.
- Redness around the edges of the eyelids.
Step 3. Notice if your hamster's eyeballs stick out of its head
A hamster's eyeball can actually pop out of its head. This can occur due to infection or trauma. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Don't waste time if you see this condition in your hamster. The sooner you see the vet, the more likely you are to save your hamster's eyeballs.
Part 2 of 2: Dealing with Congested Eyes
Step 1. Hold your hamster gently
It's best not to hurt your hamster while cleaning its eyes. If you are too rough when handling it, this procedure could injure your hamster and will require veterinary attention. Gently pick up your hamster and don't start cleaning his eyes until he's calmed down. Make sure your hamster is comfortable and stops fighting before starting to clean his eyes.
Step 2. Wet a cotton swab or washcloth with lukewarm water
You can use either one, as long as it's wet with lukewarm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this can burn the hamster and damage its eyes.
Step 3. Hold the rag and the cotton swab over his eyes
You should never open your hamster's eyes all at once. Dry tears will squeeze your eyes shut and forcefully opening them can cause problems. Instead, you should soften the drying tears. You can do this by placing a damp washcloth over your hamster's eyes for a few minutes. This step will help stretch the eyelids. Your hamster may be able to open its own eyes once you do this. Try doing this for two minutes before taking further action.
Step 4. Wipe the remaining dirt from the eyelids
After you hold the cloth over your hamster's eyes for a few minutes, the dried tears will begin to soften. Now you can wipe it without hurting the hamster.
If the dried tears don't come off easily, don't force them, as you could hurt your hamster. Instead, take the wet washcloth back and place it over the tight eye and let it sit until the dried dirt is softer
Step 5. Gently open the hamster's eyes
If a few minutes have passed and your hamster still can't open his eyes, you'll need to open them manually. After wiping off the dirt, your hamster's eyes will be easier to open. Gently pull on the hamster's eyelids until the hamster can open its own eyes.
Remember to stop immediately if you have trouble doing so. Take the wet cloth back and place it over the hamster's eye and then wipe the dirt off, then try again
Step 6. Go to the vet if you're having trouble
If you can't open your hamster's eyes or suspect something is wrong, don't hesitate to go to the vet. If there is a problem, early treatment is key to your hamster's health.
Step 7. Wash your hamster's eyes regularly
If your hamster's eyes stick easily, you can prevent this problem by washing them regularly. Take a damp cloth and wipe the hamster's eyes to remove any fluid buildup. This will prevent dry eye discharge from forming and will help keep your hamster's eyes from getting too tight. You should do this if your hamster is aging because older hamsters are more prone to this problem.
Tips
- Keep the area around the hamster's living area clean because dust is one of the causes of hamster eye problems.
- Wear gloves to prevent hamster bites.
- Try to hold your hamster securely so it doesn't fall out of your hand.
- Ask someone else to hold the hamster while you wipe the dried tears from its eyes.
- Be careful! This process may hurt your hamster if you're not careful.
