A rabbit’s eyes are a very distinct part of their body. Large, round, and located on the side of their head, a rabbit’s eyes are probably one of the first things we think of when we picture a rabbit in our minds. While we notice the rabbit’s eyes, many wonder whether a rabbit has eyelids or not.
So, do rabbits have eyelids?
Yes, rabbits do have eyelids. Rabbits actually have three pairs of eyelids. The third pair plays a special role in a rabbit’s eye function.
I will be discussing the rabbit’s eyelid function, as well as the anatomical composition of the rabbit’s eye. Lastly, I will be covering possible medical conditions related to the eye.
What Does a Rabbit’s Eyelid Look Like, and What is Its Function? A Rabbit Does Not Only Have One Set of Eyelids, But They Have Three Sets of Eyelids. A Rabbit is Able to Sleep with Their Eyes Open Due to the Moistening Agent the Third Eyelid Provides.
The third eyelid that a rabbit has is very beneficial when it comes to evading predators. Since rabbits are prey animals, they must be equipped with features that will help them avoid, and escape predators.
The third eyelid, which is also known as the “nictitating membranes,” are useful in keeping the eyes suitable for watching for predators. This third eyelid is present at the medial canthus of the eye.
The nictitating membranes may blink over the eyes of the rabbit. This allows the rabbit to sleep with their eyes open. As the rabbit sleeps with their eyes open, the nictitating membrane will blink over the rabbit’s eyes, moistening them as they sleep.
The third eyelid also helps keep the rabbit’s eyes clean. In the wild, a rabbit needs to have the clearest vision possible in order to watch for predators. The nictitating membrane will blink over the rabbit’s eye, which cleans it to provide the best vision possible.
A rabbit does not need to blink their other eyelids as often, as their third eyelid will blink over their eyes keeping them moist and clean. A rabbit will blink on average 10-12 times per day.
What Does the Structure of the Rabbit’s Eye Look Like?
We Learned About the Eyelids a Rabbit Has as Well as the Important Function the Third Eyelid Provides, So What Does the Rest of the Eye Look Like? Rabbits Have Very Distinct Eye Positions. Their Eyes Are Located on the Upper Sides of Their Head.
A rabbit’s eyes are positioned laterally, which means they are located on the side of the rabbit’s head. This feature provides the rabbit the ability to see nearly 360 degrees. This allows rabbits to detect their predators quickly, so they can make their escape in time.
While rabbits do have an impressive range of vision, the ocular muscles which are used to enhance focus are not considered very well-developed in rabbits.
While you may assume your pet sees the same way that you do, they are actually crepuscular animals, which means their eyes can see the best in half-light conditions. Half-light conditions are prominent around dawn and dusk, which is when you will typically see rabbits out and about.
Rabbits are able to distinguish between blue and green, which is helpful as rabbits are frequently hunted by birds. Rabbits have a hard time seeing the color red. This is a type of color-blindness in rabbits known as being protanopic.
The cornea of a rabbit is very large, taking up around 30% of their eye.
If you pull down the lower corner of the rabbit’s eye, you will be able to see the single nasolacrimal punctum, which is responsible for draining the tears from the eyes from the conjunctiva, into the tortuous nasolacrimal duct into the nose.
What Kinds of Medical Conditions Can Affect the Eyes?
Just Like Any Other Organ in the Body, A Rabbit’s Eyes Are Able to Experience Disease, Infection, or Inflammation. Knowing Which Signs to Look Out for is Important for the Health of Your Pet. A Thorough Examination of the Eye Should be Carried Out at Each Veterinarian Check-Up.
Along with having a regular examination of the eye, the dental health should be checked in relation to the eye. The roots of the teeth, eyes, and nasolacrimal canal all have such a close relationship that the system should be checked for healthy function.
Epiphora is a condition that can affect the eye as a result of excessive tearing or inadequate drainage.
Signs to watch for epiphora include:
- Milky, watery discharge
- Crusting of the facial hair near the corner of the eye
Excessive tear production may be a result of eye irritation. There are many environmental irritants that may be responsible for this.
A duct obstruction may be responsible for chronic rhinitis, or nasal infection. The obstruction may also cause inflammation or infection of the orbital glands, which is known as dacryocystitis. These obstructions are usually caused by some type of bacteria.
Dental disease may also be responsible for a duct obstruction as well.
Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is another common eye problem for rabbits.
Corneal damage that takes the form of ulcers is also relatively common in rabbits. These may be a product of wounds from fighting in hay or grass, which scratch the cornea and cause damage.
If you are concerned your pet may have any of the above eye conditions, it would be wise to take them to your veterinarian to be looked over before the condition worsens.
Yes, Rabbits do Have Eyelids. Rabbits Have Three Sets of Eyelids. Their Third Set Plays a Large Role in the Everyday Functioning of the Rabbit’s Eye.
Rabbits use their third set of eyelids to clean their eyes off while watching for predators, as well as for keeping the eye moistened while sleeping with eyes open.
Overall, the eyes are a very complex, but a unique feature of the rabbit’s biology. They are formed exactly for what a rabbit needs for survival against potential predators.
