Hamster blind?

Question
Hi, my hamster has developed some white spots in the middle of its eyes, I just noticed a few weeks ago... I think she's blind 'cause doesn't react to things moving in front of her as time ago... I don't know her exact age, because didn't know at what age she was given to me, so I estimate like about 2 years by now... I am wondering, how much time is left for her from now on that she is blind? What problems can she have? Is there anything I can do to improve her living now that she can't see?

Thanks for the help...

Answer
Hi June

Don't worry about her - hamsters can go blind - they can get cataracts or glaucoma.  Providing it doesn't look as though she's in any pain - i.e. if she is dull in herself, not eating, hunched up or if her eyes look sore, are weeping etc - in which case you need to get her to a vet.

If the eyes have just gone cloudy - there is no treatment as such for a hamster.  Hamsters' vision is poor anyway, so it doesn't have a great impact on them.  There are a few precautions you can take, however, to make sure she is OK.  Firstly, if you can you need to get her in a single storey cage - remove any platforms, or if the cage has up and over tubes etc, seal these off.  Secondly, be careful if you are adding anything new to her cage i.e. any toys as she won't recognise them.  When you clean her out, always try to put a little bit of her nest back in so her scent is immediately there.  Thirdly, when you approach her, let her know you are around - if you suddenly try to handle her she may be startled, so it is best to talk to her so she recognises you.

As she is around 2, she is pretty old anyway, so being blind shouldn't have any great impact on the remainder of her life.

Regards