Rat with little red bulging eye

Question
QUESTION: I have a young hairless rat who i think might've had an eye infection. His eye was huge, though he could still close his eyelid over it. I'm not sure if it was the actual eye that was bigger or something behind it pushing it. There was pieces of white-ish slim in it, or almost like ribbons of skin would peel off the eye. I put in Fucithalmic drops for a few days, but when that didn't help, got stronger drops from the vet. The infection seems to have gone, and the eye isn't huge anymore. But his regular eye colour is black, and this eye is still red(not at all like an albino's red eye, but very un-clear) with an almost white inside. I know he will most likely never see out of it again. But also, it seems a bit smaller than normal and sticks out more. Like i can see all around it. And he shakes his head: i don't know if it has to do with the eye bothering him.
He eats fine and is very active. But is it normal for it to stay like that for the rest of his life? Does it hurt him? The infection is gone, but i don't know if i should to do something else about it.
I don't have a picture of it right now, but i can get one if you think that might help.
Thank you so much!
Joleen

ANSWER: Hi Joleen
I meant to attach this photo to the message but forgot, so please go to this link to see the photo instead. Sorry about that.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j71/sugarfoxx/rats%20nest%20icons/zzzzzzzzzzzz

This is my own rat, Santana.  He had a nasty eye infection last year and lost his vision from it.

Anyhow, despite the fact the infection was treated, he still had alot of discomfort.  For one, the eye was useless since the bacteria caused so much damage he lost his sight  We had to remove his eye and it was no big deal for him, either. He adjusted fine.  He is still doing very well a year later but I do worry if he would have another nasty infection he would lose his sight in both eyes.

Anyhow, long story longer, there are alot of nerves in the eye and keeping the eye there could not only cause discomfort but also can contribute to infection again and being it is so close to the brain, this could cause a real problem if infection gets out of control. I would opt for a qualified vet to do an enucleation. It would be the best thing for your rattie. He is shaking his head because he is feeling some type of sensation, be it pain, its hard to say, but again, there are alot of nerves in the eye making it very sensitive to pain which is why we removed my rats eye and other rats eyes too.

Is your vet a true avian/exotic Vet or just a vet that knows some things about exotics?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you. It's shed some light, though not what i was hoping to hear. It's really sad, an i feel bad for the litle guy. I really can't afford to have it removed. I asked the vet and it's 400$. Is eutanasia my only humane option?
Thanks again,
Joleen

Answer
you need a new vet!  Thats INSANE!  If you want another opinion I can give you same names of vets that wont rob you blind.  

As for euthanasia...no, I would not consider it if he isnt acting unhappy.  Is he eating and playing and acting OK? Being blind in one eye is not the end of the world and in fact, my other rat is totally blind in both eyes and he has been this way for almost a year.  He lives in a single story cage and he even uses his litter pan.  My only concern is pain for your rat and a rat in pain doesnt eat, becomes lethargic and is miserable, he doesnt sound like he is miserable.  Still, I would find another opinion because my vet is a certified exotic vet, working in a very top notch exotic and avian hospital only, no dogs and cats, and I dont think it cost me $150 for everything, including   the hospital stay.