Glaucoma - Hamster Health

One of the illnesses hamsters may have is Glaucoma. Glaucoma affects the eyes of the hamster and its symptons are that the eye will appear larger.








When Glaucoma takes place there is an increased amount of fluid within the eyeball which will lead to loss of vision. The affected hamster will rub the eye and the eye may become so big that it prolapses from the socket.





Glaucoma can be a result of rough handling, fighting or from being held too tightly from the scruff. Avoid holding the hamster from the scruff. Hamsters naturally have big eyeballs to be able to spot predators and Glaucoma should not be misinterpreted by this. See picture on the right for a hamster who has Glaucoma.





Unfortunately there is no specific treatment for this illness and early referral to a vet is important as the vet can prescribe painkillers if a lot of pain is shown on the hamster.





As earlier outlined Glaucoma may lead to loss of vision but this is not a big problem as a hamster's eye sight is very poor. Affected hamsters should not be used for breeding. An eye ointment prescribed by a good vet may be used several times daily to keep the eye moist. Http://www.hamster-club.com.