Crusted Eyes

Question
Hello there! As of two days ago I noticed my long hair teddy bear hamster has crusted eyes.  After a visit to the pet store, I used a warm paper and q-tip to moisten and separate the eye lids.  Now she seemed fine until this morning they are closed again?  I used the same procedure to open her eyes.  Now I know you are not a vet but I was wondering what your advice would be from this point on seeing as a vet would not be capable until 4 days from now.  She has no breathing or exercise problems.  Any ideas? Any information will be GREATLY appreciated!! Thank you so much for your time!
                           ~Whitney

Answer
Hi Whitney,

Closed eyes could mean a couple of things.  Often, a piece of dust, or perhaps bedding, becomes stuck in a hamster's eye.  Make sure your hamster's cage isn't in a drafty area.  Or, closed, crusty eyes could be a sign of an allergy.  Two common causes for allergies are bedding and pets.  Use Aspen or Carefresh beddings, since Pine and Cedar are notorious for causing allergies, as well as respiratory infections.  And, if you have other pets in the house, such as a cat or dog, try to keep them out of the room where your hamster's cage is.

If your hamster has recurring problems with closed eyes, or if her eyes are cloudy, she may have an eye infection.  From petwebsite.com:  "An eye infection can be treated by mixing half a cup of sterile (boiled and cooled) water with a teaspoon of boric acid powder (available from a chemist or pharmacy) and using an eye dropper to bathe the eye twice or three times a day."  If the eye infection doesn't clear up within a couple of days, you should take your hamster to the vet, as antibiotics may be needed.

Have a great weekend!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly