Have you ever wondered what the world looks like through your guinea pig’s eyes? Their vision is surprisingly different from ours.
Guinea pigs can see almost 340 degrees around them without moving their heads. They can even see above and behind themselves.
But they can’t spot anything clearly beyond 3 to 5 feet away. Their eyes process 33 images per second, compared to our 22, which is why sudden movements startle them so much.
Guinea Pig Field of Vision
A guinea pig’s eyes have a perfect symmetrical visual positioning that lets them see at a 340-degree range. The position of their eyes allows them to see what’s coming from the front and the side.
The shape of their head also lets them see above and behind themselves. They don’t have to move their head to notice danger.
Guinea pigs’ eyes are powerful sensors that allow them to quickly sight predators and determine their escape routes right before they’re attacked. That’s also one of the reasons why guinea pigs react dramatically to any sudden movement coming from you or your family members.
This doesn’t mean guinea pigs have better eyesight compared to other animals. On the contrary, you could say they have poor eyesight overall.
Guinea pigs do have better color vision compared to cats, dogs, and most other animals. They see 33 images per second, which is much more than people do.
This ability prevents blurriness when they turn their heads quickly.
Humans see 22 images per second and don’t have the same degree range of vision. So, who has better eyesight?
All jokes aside, here’s what makes people believe that guinea pigs can’t see very well. While they can see color and see more images per second than we do, guinea pigs have poor depth perception.
That’s what makes people believe guinea pigs have bad vision.
Guinea pigs see only as far as 3 to 5 feet and they don’t see details. Still, they’ll always react to visual stimuli such as color, time of day, spotlights, LED lights, and the colors and movements that come from your TV or phone screen.
Can Guinea Pigs See Colors?
Absolutely. As research has shown, guinea pigs have dichromatic color vision and they can see colors.
They aren’t color blind.
In scientific studies, scholars conditioned guinea pigs to check if they respond to colors. They concluded that guinea pigs will always approach the bowl of a certain color, knowing that the food should be in that particular bowl.
We need to remember that guinea pigs don’t have very clear vision when looking at a distance. They see more images per second and the position of their eyes and the shape of their head lets them see at a 340-degree range.
They distinguish colors, yet overall, guinea pigs have poor eyesight. If you’re curious about related vision topics, check out whether guinea pigs can see specific colors.
Can Guinea Pigs See in the Dark?
It remains unclear whether guinea pigs see in the dark as well as they see during daytime or even better. What scientists do know is that guinea pigs have good color perception and can distinguish colors, but they have poor depth perception and can’t see far.
Their eyesight is limited in that way. Experts believe that guinea pigs rely on their memory and learned escape routes to find their way in the dark.
So, if you find your guinea pigs running around at nighttime, they’re active because they feel safe and know their habitat well. You can learn more about their activity cycles in our guide to whether guinea pigs are nocturnal.
Do Guinea Pigs See When They’re Asleep?
You may never or occasionally see your guinea pigs’ eyelids because guinea pigs rarely close their eyes. They take super-short naps that their owners barely notice.
You’ll know they’re asleep if their bodies are still and peaceful.
These naps happen throughout the day and night and always last for seconds. You might believe that guinea pigs never sleep, but they do.
They’re crepuscular animals.
A guinea pig rarely closes its eyes and rarely blinks. Some guinea pig owners see their guinea pigs standing peacefully with their eyes closed.
Don’t worry! That’s perfectly normal, although it rarely happens because guinea pigs rely on their instincts as prey animals that need to be constantly cautious.
If you see a guinea pig with its eyes closed, this small animal feels very relaxed, comfortable, and safe. It’s also normal for them to sleep with their eyes open.
So, yes, guinea pigs can see when their eyes are open, even when they’re sleeping.
What Are the Limitations in Guinea Pig Vision?
Guinea pigs can run around in the dark, be very active, and keep you up if you need perfect silence to sleep well. For that reason, many people believe that guinea pigs can see in the dark, which isn’t entirely true.
They’re happy when they see you and show it openly, so you know they can see you in daylight. That’s also not entirely true.
A guinea pig’s vision has limitations. They can see 33 images per second, which is much more when compared to humans.
We can only see 22 images per second.
Guinea pigs can see colors and they also have a much broader vision compared to humans and many other animals. Yet, guinea pigs can’t see far, so the depth of their vision is impaired.
To move around freely during the day and night, and to recognize you when you’re approaching, they rely on other senses. Their sense of smell and hearing, along with their good spatial memory, do the heavy lifting.
Can My Guinea Pig See My Phone Screen?
Yep. Your guinea pig can see your phone screen.
Most likely it’ll show interest in the light of the screen, not so much what’s going on.
A guinea pig will be attracted to fast images and lights, and that can hold their attention. They won’t understand what’s happening on the screen.
Don’t forget that they mostly rely on their sense of smell and hearing, not on their eyesight.
What Are the Common Guinea Pig Eye Diseases?
A healthy guinea pig can suffer from many eye diseases and problems that require intervention. These range from a scratched cornea to corneal ulcer, various infections, and tumors.
Often, you’ll have to seek help, and the vet will treat your guinea pig’s eyes depending on the diagnosis. If your piggy has experienced a scratch or impact, our guinea pig eye injury guide covers what to do.
You’ll most likely notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Eye cloudiness or redness
- Repeated pawing or scratching at the eye
- Keeping an eye or eyes closed
- Eye inflammation or discharge
- Frequent tearing
- Bulges
If you notice any eye issues, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian because eye problems can be serious. Left untreated, they could cause blindness.
Sometimes, something in your guinea pig’s cage, such as hay or bedding, can irritate their eyes. A fight with another guinea pig can also end up with a scratched eye.
These scratches or irritations can cause a corneal ulcer, which is a defect in the cornea that’s very painful. You may see cloudiness or redness in the eye as soon as you notice your guinea pig pawing at it or keeping it closed.
Often, this pain will make your guinea pig stop eating, which triggers other health problems. The vet will prescribe ointments such as antibiotics or specific ones made to heal ulcers.
If that doesn’t work, the vet may decide to take other approaches.
Another common eye problem in guinea pigs is an infection caused by irritation or exposure to bacteria or fungal spores. These infections need to be treated with antibacterial or antifungal medications.
Should I Treat My Guinea Pig’s Eyes on My Own?
Although it may be tempting, never try to treat your guinea pig’s eyes on your own. While you’re still an inexperienced guinea pig owner, always consult a vet who will guide you on how to alleviate your pet’s problems.
Can a Guinea Pig’s Teeth Cause Eye Problems?
Believe it or not, your guinea pig’s overgrown teeth can also cause eye problems. The roots of incisors (front teeth) can grow into a pathway between the nose and the eyes and block it.
The vet will perform a test and may X-ray your pet to confirm the diagnosis. If the eye problem is caused by your guinea pig’s teeth, the vet will decide whether your pet needs extraction surgery.
Learn more about dental signs in our guinea pig teeth chattering guide.
Tumors are also a possibility if you notice anything wrong with your guinea pig’s eyes. Although there’s no treatment for a tumor behind the eyes, the vet will treat the problem symptomatically.
How to Prevent Eye Problems in Guinea Pigs
You can’t prevent every problem, but you can keep your pet’s cage clean. By regularly cleaning the cage, you’ll prevent the growth of bacteria.
If you have more than one guinea pig living together, break up any fighting to prevent eye injuries. Always pay attention to changes in your guinea pigs’ eyes and take them to the vet as soon as you notice anything unusual.
Final Thoughts
Guinea pigs are superior to humans in some visual areas but also inferior in others. They don’t have to move their heads to see above, below, or to the sides, and they see many more frames per second than we do.
Yet, they can’t see in the dark and their depth perception is poor. They can only see clearly within 3 to 5 feet, so they rely on smell and hearing to confirm what’s going on around them.
Understanding how your piggy sees the world helps you create a more comfortable environment and build a stronger bond with your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guinea pigs can't see their owners clearly beyond 3 to 5 feet. They rely on smell and hearing to recognize you. When you're close, they'll notice your shape and movement. That's why approaching slowly and speaking softly helps your piggy feel safe and comfortable.
Guinea pigs don't need complete darkness or bright light. They're crepuscular, meaning they're most active during dawn and dusk. A natural light cycle with some dim periods works best. Avoid keeping bright lights on all night, as it can disrupt their rest patterns.
Sudden movements trigger your guinea pig's prey instinct. Their wide field of vision detects motion quickly, but poor depth perception makes it hard to judge distance. Freezing is a survival response. Moving slowly around your piggy helps build trust and keeps them calm.
Guinea pigs can detect light and movement from a TV screen, but they don't understand the content. Fast-moving images and bright colors may catch their attention briefly. The sounds from a television are more likely to interest or startle them than the visuals.
