Why Do Rats Eyes Turn White?

Rats’ eyes often turn white due to cataracts, which are white patches inside the eye. Cataracts are often seen in old rats, but can also be a result of an infection. Cataracts are usually fatal, and the affected animal usually dies within three to four weeks.

Rats’ eyes can be almond-shaped or rounded, and they should be clear and bright. Rats tend to squint when they are in pain. They may also have thickened eyelids, which are indicative of entropion. The eye may also be red and watery, and there might be a reddish or brown discharge in the eye.

Rats’ eyesight is not great, and they’re not the most sensitive animals in the animal kingdom. They have to rely on other senses to navigate their environment. Their facial whiskers can help them feel their way around, and they rarely stick their heads out in the open. This means that it’s easier to spot them in a maze than it is for us.

Rats’ eyes are also very small, and they have poor visual acuity. This limits their depth of focus, which determines how far an object is visible. In humans, this limit is about 2.3 meters, while in rats it’s seven centimeters.