How to Deal with Sticky Eyes in Hamsters

When hamsters sleep, their eyes produce mucus to keep the eyeball hydrated. If the mucus overflows and dries around the eyelids, it may prevent the eyes from opening. This is quite common, especially in older hamsters. However, this condition is not harmful and can easily be treated at home.

Inspect for foreign objects in the hamster's eye. Watery eyes or an inability to open the eyes could be caused by debris stuck in the eye. In this case, there won't be a protective layer keeping the eyelids closed, so you can gently separate the eyelids to inspect. If you find dust or sand, use a cotton swab dipped in warm water to carefully remove the particles from the eye. If something is lodged deep within the eye, avoid attempting to remove it yourself, as this could worsen the condition. Visit a veterinarian immediately.

Check if the hamster's eyes are red. Like humans, animals can suffer from conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Typically, this condition doesn't harm the hamster, but you should take them to a veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Discharge coming from the eyes, which may become pus-like.
• Eyes stuck shut.
• Swollen eyes.
• Redness around the eye edges.

Check if the hamster's eyeball is protruding from the socket.

This can occur due to an infection or injury. It’s a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary care. Don't wait if you notice this; the sooner you get your hamster to a vet, the better the chances of saving the eyeball.

Hold the hamster gently in your hands to avoid causing harm while cleaning the eyes. Holding it too tightly can worsen the situation. Wait until the hamster is calm and still in your hands before you begin cleaning the eyes. Ensure the hamster is comfortable and no longer struggling before starting the process.

Soak a cotton pad or soft cloth in warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid burning your pet's eyes.

Place a cloth or cotton swab on the hamster's eye. Avoid suddenly pulling the hamster's eyelids apart. The dry mucus on the eye causes the eyelids to be tightly shut, and a sudden separation can harm the eye. Instead, soften the mucus to break it down. Apply a wet cloth to the hamster's eye for a few minutes. This will help relax the eyelids, and the hamster may even open its eyes on its own. Try this for two minutes before trying other methods.

Gently wipe away the eye discharge. After applying the damp cloth, the hamster's eyelids will be softer and more comfortable. Now you can gently separate the eyelids without causing discomfort.

• If the discharge doesn't come off easily, don't use too much force as you may hurt your pet. Place the cloth back on the eyelids to soften the mucus further.

Gently open the hamster's eyes. If after a few minutes your hamster still can't open its eyes on its own, you’ll need to assist. Once the eye discharge is cleaned away, you can carefully separate the eyelids. Use your finger to gently push until it can open its eyes on its own.

• If you experience difficulty, stop immediately. Reapply the cloth to the eyes and start over.

See a veterinarian if you encounter any issues. If you cannot get your hamster's eyes open or suspect there is another issue, visiting a vet is essential for your pet's health and well-being.

Regularly clean around the hamster's eyes. If your hamster's eyes frequently get sticky, you can prevent this by cleaning its eyes regularly. Use a wet cloth to gently wipe away eye discharge daily, especially with older hamsters, as they are more prone to illness, just like humans. The older they get, the more likely they are to develop eye issues.