Is it safe to put 16-day-old kittens in sunlight to open their eyes?

I agree that by 2 weeks of age the kittens eyes should be open and there would be concern for abnormal development or an infection causing adhesions. You may want to see if your vet feels comfortable applying a warm compress and then gently trying to ease the eyelids apart - this might help with adhesions. Otherwise anesthesia and using an instrument to separate the lids (surgery to cut the lid is not recommended) may be necessary since the eyes need to be open for appropriate development of the eye and neurologic pathway to the brain.

Hi Caron, thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. At 5 and a half days of age, that is young for the eye to be open, and there is a concern that it won't be fully developed as you fear the eye was forced open. He needs to see a vet right away, as this could permanently damage his eyesight. You are doing the right thing by keeping the lighting dim and covering the windows, and you want to make sure the eye isn't too dry, which is why he needs to see a vet to get checked out. He can't be separated long from his mother, so please bring the mother and siblings to the appointment as well, and I would take them all in today. He should see a vet asap. I hope this helps!

Kittens will naturally open their eyes at around 7-10 days of age. If your kitten has an eye that is still shut, or appears to be blocked by debris or discharge, it is best to schedule a veterinary appointment as this may indicate a congenital issue or infection causing the problem.

Yes, this is too long. They normally open their eyes around 7-10 days. I suggest you get them to the vet for an exam. I don't know what the hard substance is that you are referring to unless it is crusts forming due to an infection (very common in kittens). You really should get them to a vet for an exam.

The ruptured eye is not repairable and it is highly unlikely that the other eyes will ever be visual either. It is not normal for eyes to be open so early and it is likely that severe inflammation and infection was the underlying cause. Regular application of artificial tears may help with the discomfort but the only realistic option to prevent pain is to remove the damaged eyes completely

Your kittens should open their eyes when they are between 7-14 days old. You should be able to determine the sex of your kittens around 8 weeks of age. See the following link for help on how to do so: https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/procedures/cats/determining-gender-(sex)-of-a-kitten . Also see http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576 for information on how to care for your kittens if their mother is not able to produce adequate milk. Kitten Milk Replacer can be used if you need to supplement their feedings, and there is also a recipe for emergency kitten formula included in the link if needed.

Hi. First I would recommend a full exam and medications for them as they have severe upper respiratory infections. In meantime, yes, I would place a warm wash clothes over the eyes for 5-10 min and then gently try to clean and open.