Is it normal that hamsters eyes pop in and out?

Answer 1

You are thinking of Hamster Glaucoma. Glaucoma affects the eyes of the hamster and its symptoms are that the hamster's 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.

Hamster Glaucoma can be a result of rough handling, fighting or from being held too tightly from the scruff. To decrease the chance of hamster glaucoma, 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 hamster glaucoma and early referral to a vet is important as the vet can prescribe painkillers if the hamster is in a lot of pain. As earlier outlined, Glaucoma may lead to loss of the hamster's 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 hamster's eye moist.