You might have heard about how people say that eating carrots is beneficial for your eyes. Now, you might be thinking about whether the rabbits have good eyesight as they often eat carrots? Well, it is not the same case with rabbits.
Unlike we think, carrots are not beneficial for the rabbit’s eyesight. Their eyesight depends on physiology instead of food. In general, rabbits, being the easy prey creatures, are farsighted. Your rabbit will have a hard time seeing the items that are right beneath their noses.
There are plenty of myths and false statements about the rabbit’s vision. Below, you can find some myths and truths with crucial evidence as well. If you are eager to know how the rabbit looks around the area, you better scroll down!
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Myths And Popular Beliefs About The Rabbit’s Eyesight
Rabbits have binocular sight
Many people think that their pet rabbit has binocular vision. Well, it is false! Rabbits have monocular vision. They can use both eyes for separate seeing areas. Rabbit’s eyes would not overlap for much time, and they can get an independent field of view from each eye.
Rabbits can see colors
This statement is not completely real. Rabbits have a little color blindness when compared to humans. We, humans, maintain three distinct color receptors, but it is only two for the rabbits. Though rabbits can watch colors, the color variations they can detect are only a few.
Rabbits can watch infrared
No, your rabbit can not watch infrared. Like humans, rabbits also can not see the red light. It is because no one has red cones in their eyes.
Rabbits can not blink
Many times, it is difficult for owners to notice the blinking of rabbits. Due to this, people believe that the rabbits do not blink at all. But the rabbits would blink their eyes every five minutes. With an extra eyelid in the rabbits, it is not necessary for them to blink many times. It also assists the rabbits to maintain their eyes wet for a long time. The rabbits will watch out for predators.
Truths About The Rabbit’s Eyesight
As you have seen the myths, there are many fascinating truths about the rabbit’s eyesight. Almost every rabbit owner would need to know them. If you are aware of these facts, you can give your best to help the rabbit in every situation.
Rabbits have decent eyesight
Though rabbits also maintain fantastic eyesight, it is unique from humans. Rabbits can notice objects far away from their pen. They have perfect vision, and it is suitable for their intention, which is to detect potential predators.
Rabbits can also see during the night or in dark areas
It is not possible for rabbits to see in pitch-black surroundings. But they can see the view in light-dark conditions. Rabbits have natural eyes that tend to function well during dawn and dusk. Remember, rabbits can not watch anything at night though they have better night vision in the dark than humans. Rabbits have excellent rod photoreceptors, which makes them see in low-light situations.
Rabbits can see almost 360 degrees
Rabbits have their eyes on the high sides of their skull. Due to this, they can watch about 360 degrees of view. Rabbits can watch the incident happening further away from their head as well. Rabbits have a natural, tiny visionless spot right in front of their face. It is because they have eyes on the sides of their head.
Rabbits can notice behind them
You might find this captivating and strange. Rabbits can observe the event behind them, and it is true. Your pet rabbit can do this due to the position of the eyes on its head.
Rabbits would sleep with eyes open
It is a natural sight to see rabbits sleeping by keeping their eyes open. As the rabbits are common prey animals in the wildlife habitat, they tend to feel safe by sleeping with open eyes. This method helps them stay comfortable even if the predators are lurking near their homes.
Rabbits blink once in five minutes
You might find this hard to imagine. But rabbits only blink their eyes ten to twelve times (10 to 12) in one hour. In other words, humans blink their eyes 50 times more than rabbits. Your pet rabbit has a third eyelid, and it lets the rabbit open its eyes for a long time. The main reason why rabbits often keep their eyes open is due to the fear of possible predators.
Eye Care For The Rabbits
Rabbits tend to suffer from some eye problems. When it is about the rabbit’s health and safety, there are a few things you need to be aware of. By knowing these necessary things, you can take good care of your pet.
How do a typical healthy rabbit’s eyes look?
If your pet has healthy eyes, the surface looks crystal clear and glossy. When you lift their eyelid, the tissue on the rabbit eye looks pink.
Common infections
Pasteurellosis and conjunctivitis are the regular eye infections that many owners see in their rabbits.
- Conjunctivitis is an illness that shows an effect on the eye lining of the rabbit. As for pasteurellosis, it might result in severe eye infections. It often impacts the respiratory tract of your pet rabbit.
- Red Eye. Another typical infection in the rabbit’s eyes is the red-eye. When the blood vessels in the rabbit’s eye are swelling, it is called the red-eye.
- Corneal ulcers. When the cornea, a part in the eye, is harmed or has scratches, the ulcer occurs. If the rabbit is squinting a lot, it is a sign of the rabbit suffering from a corneal ulcer.
- In general, abscesses occur near the head and form a small lump beneath the rabbit’s eye. Sometimes, it makes the eyes bulge out. The main reason for this is related to dental disease.
Symptoms of eye infections
First of all, you have to notice cataracts. It might occur due to E. cuniculi, and it is a parasite infection. When there are scratches or irritations in the eye, ulcers tend to grow. Another sign you need to be aware of is matted hair on the front part of the rabbit’s feet. You have to watch out for the rubbing discharge from the eyes. The last thing you need to know is the formation of pink or red tones around the rabbit’s eye.
Prevention
Choosing the perfect bedding for the rabbit is beneficial for the rabbit to avoid eye infections. It is better not to use shavings as they can irritate and damage the rabbit’s eyes. Remember, keep the living, playing, and sleeping rooms of the rabbits with enough ventilation. You can also use dust-free hay. It is best to inspect the above signs whenever you are with the rabbit.
It is crucial to keep the rabbit’s eyes healthy and safe as they are an essential part. When you notice any of the symptoms in the rabbit, call your veterinarian as fast as you can. It is better to prevent eye infections during the early stages.