After realising wood shavings were not recommended as hamster bedding, i then read online from various sources that 'Timothy' hay is fine for hamsters, so went and bought some and have been using it for the last few weeks, however today had to take our little one for a visit to the vets, as her eye was squinting/gunky/cloudy.
The vet thought it was infected and put some dye on then said she could see a small corneal scratch.
We discussed the hay and she thought it might be that.She was very nice and understanding, but she said our poor hammie might have permenant discolouring to her eye due to scarring!
I felt awful, as I had bought the hay in the first place, and I'm now wondering, it said it was Timothy 'rich' hay....is that different somehow? I also got in in B&M which was maybe not the best move.
Obviously removed the hay straight away from her cage, and she has some shredded paper now instead until I can get her some paper based bedding from the petstore tomorrow.
Wish I had just got the paper based one in the first place, but was trying to save money as it seemed so expensive compared to other bedding (ironic now as the sizeable vets bill could have bought it many times over!!) but obviously would never intentionally put hamsters health at risk to save money.