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Why is my hamster's cloudy eye getting worse with eye drops?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 3 days old

Hello I realised my Syrian hampster had developed a very cloudy right eye, so two days later I took her to the vets in confidence that they could help make her better and I was given isathal eye drops to apply twice a day, I have been doing this for about five days now and it's only got worse the right eye is now still cloudy but has a red ring around it, I really dont know what to do as I'm reading tons of articles in which all seem to have a negative outcome, I hope you can help

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 8th, 2018

It is hard to tell based on the picture alone what exactly is going on with Meeko’s eye. There is almost certainly inflammation and infection present. Since the drops do not seem to be addressing the problem I would recommend taking Meeko in for a recheck examination. If your hamster has an infection inside the eye (as opposed to the outside/surface of the eye) she may need an oral antibiotic to help her get over it.

Other concerns for an eye like this would be a cancer of the eye itself. If this is the case, the eye could be removed and your hamster would do just fine.

In any case, I would recommend having a recheck done by a veterinarian that is comfortable seeing hamsters. It’s only been a couple days so don’t worry too much. Hopefully the problem will be addressed at your recheck appointment and hamster will do great.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you have anymore questions please let us know. Best of luck.
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 7th, 2018

    Apply a warm compress to the eye for 5-10 minutes, then gently wipe it afterwards. If it remains closed or appears swollen or reddened, have DJ examined by your veterinarian to diagnose infection or injury.
    In the meantime, clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and hides. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Change the bedding and use as dust free a substrate as you can find. Keep DJ warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the vet.

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 4th, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out about Mr. Winnie and including a photo. Wart-like growths are common in hamsters, and are usually benign. If continues to growth or shows signs of discomfort, a veterinary visit should be scheduled. And he needs his nails clipped.
    Good luck.

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 22nd, 2017

    Poor Squeak ! Has he had any antibiotics eye drops ? It might be some conjunctivitis or it could be a problem with his teeth as well. It would be best to have him checked over so that the best medicine can be prescribed for him. In the meantime, you can gently clean the eye with cotton wool and lukewarm boiled water.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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