Hairless rat eye problem

Question
I have recently adopted 3 wonderful hairless males (3 months old).They appear very healthy and happy, although I am concerned as one has developed a reddish/brown dry discharge around the eyes.
This usually seems to be worse after a long sleep or nap. He is full of energy with a hearty appetite. They all eat a selected balanced diet and I maintain a clean and allergen free environment. Could it be dry eye and is it treatable ?

Answer
This is known as porphyrin discharge.  Often a new rat owner will mistake this as blood, but its not.

This is very common for rats, but do know that more than normal is a cause for concern. This indicates the rat is stressed from illnes or anxiety from something else such as a new home, loss of a cagemate or other reasons.

Please refer to my website, Sandyscrittercity.com and refer to the page titled "Bloody eyes and nose" so you can learn more about porphyrin discharge and where it comes from. Also, compare a few photos just to be certain this is what your seeing.  Let me know during our follow up!