How to Help a Hamster With Sticky Eye

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: May 12, 2023 Fact Checked

When hamsters sleep, their eyes secrete fluid to keep the eyeball moist. If this fluid drips out and dries around the eyelid, it can prevent the hamster from opening his eyes. This is common in all hamsters, especially older ones. Fortunately this usually isn't a medical emergency, and you can treat it at home.

Part 1

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Ruling Out Other Health Conditions

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One reason your hamster's eye may be watery or closed is that something is stuck in the eye. If this is the case, there won't be any crust present holding the eye closed, so you can gently open your hamster's eye and look. If there is dust or sand in the eye, you can use a Q-tip or similar, dipped in lukewarm water to gently remove the debris. If an object has actually punctured the eye, don't try to remove it or you could cause further damage. Take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible.^{[1]
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Examine your hamster for pink eye. Animals, as well as humans, can contract conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye. The condition is usually not harmful to hamsters, but you should still see the vet to make sure your pet heals properly. Schedule a visit to the vet if your hamster exhibits the following symptoms.^{[2]
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- A watery eye discharge. This may become more pus-like as time goes on.
- Sticky eyelids.
- Swollen eyes.
- Redness around the edge of the eyelids.
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It is possible for the eyeball to actually protrude from a hamster's head. It can occur from an infection or trauma. This is a serious condition that requires veterinary attention as soon as possible.^{[3]
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Part 2

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Treating a Sticky Eye

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You'll want to avoid hurting your hamster while cleaning out the eye. Being too rough while handling him for this procedure can cause injury that will require veterinary attention. Pick him up gently and don't start cleaning until he's settled down. Be sure the hamster is comfortable and has stopped struggling before you start cleaning out his eye.
Either of these objects will work, as long as you use lukewarm water. Make sure the water isn't hot, or you could burn your hamster and cause damage to the eye.
You shouldn't abruptly pull the eye open. The crust associated with the sticky eye will be holding the eye shut, and pulling it apart can cause damage. Instead, you have to break down and soften the crust that is keeping the eye shut. You can do this by holding the wet cloth over your hamster's eye for a few minutes. This will help loosen up the eyelid. He may even be able to open his eye on his own after this without any further help. Try two minutes of this before taking any further action.^{[5]
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Wipe away any crust from the eyelid. After you've held the cloth over your hamster's eye for a few minutes, the crust should be soft and loose. Now you can gently brush it away from his eyelid without hurting him.
- If the crust doesn't come away easily, don't force it or you could hurt the hamster. Instead, go back to holding the cloth on the crust and let it loosen further.
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Open the eye gently. If a few minutes go by and your hamster is still unable to open his eye by himself, you'll have to open it manually. After wiping away the crust, it should be easy to open the eye. Gently pull the lids apart until your hamster is able to open his eye on his own.
- Remember to stop right away if you have any difficulty doing this. Go back to holding the cloth over the eye and wiping away crust, then try again.
If you can't get the eye open or suspect that anything else may be wrong, don't hesitate to go to the vet. If there is a problem, catching it early is key for your hamster's health.^{[6]
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If your hamster is prone to sticky eyes, you can prevent the problem with regular washing. Take a wet cloth and gently wipe around the eye to get rid of any fluid buildup. This will prevent crusting and help keep your hamster's eyes from getting stuck together. You should especially do this if your hamster is getting old since older hamsters are more prone to the problem.^{[7]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Will sticky eye cause blindness in my hamster?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If the eyelids become sealed shut because of the discharge, there is a real chance the cornea (the clear part of the eye) will become ulcerated and damaged. This can lead to scar tissue formation and loss of vision. Ideally, try to bath the eye and keep it open so the eyelids con't become glued shut.

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My hamster's eye is protruding from the socket. What do I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

As soon as you notice the eye protruding, try and close the eyelids over the eye to help re-position the globe back in the socket. It is common (but not desirable!) for a hamster's eye to pop or 'prolapse' out of the socket if they are held by the scruff. If you notice immediately, and close the eyelids, this is usually enough to prevent any lasting damage.

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Tips

Keep the area around where your hamster lives clean because dust is another way your hamster's eyes get irritated and infused.

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Be careful! This process may hurt the hamster if you don't do it carefully.

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Get someone else to hold the hamster while you wipe the eyes free of crust.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Give your hamster a treat as a distraction while you wipe its eyes.

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Warnings

Try not to squeeze the hamster at all, just use a light grip. Otherwise, you could hurt the hamster or he might bite you.

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