Eye issues in Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos have large, round eyes that make them very attractive, making them one of the most popular pets around the world. They are very easy to care for.
In captivity, Leopard geckos are known for their high susceptibility to eye infections. Thus, as a pet owner, you should be able to identify what is the cause of the problems with the eyes of Leopard geckos so that you can treat them. Symptoms of leopard gecko's eye problems include swelling of the eye, excessive blinking in the eye, red eyes, difficulty closing the eyes, etc.
In order to help you, we provide you with information in this article about the Leopard gecko's eye issues with symptoms. This is so you can help them in treating them. Therefore, we suggest that you read this article so you can protect your geckos from eye issues.
Eye diseases and their causes, symptoms, and treatments
Many pet owners are concerned about how to know if their leopard gecko has an eye problem. Don't worry, Below we will give you some details about eye problems with reasons, symptoms, and possible treatments.
Debris / Foreign Bodies
In this eye issue, some foreign bodies can become stuck in Leopard gecko eyes like gravel, lost substrate, and retained bodies. Foreign bodies can be stuck around an eyeball and eye socket and cause a wide range of complications.
Causes- Due to dirty tanks and improper substrates in the leopard gecko tank, this issue has arisen.
Symptoms
- Redness is seen in the eyes
- Frequently rubbing their eyes
- Too much blinking of the eyes
Treatment
In order to remove foreign bodies from gecko eyes, one can simply use a solution of saline or some other eye wash. You can also use cotton tips to remove them when they are in an early stage, but make sure that you remove them very gently and with caution.
If, however, you are unable to remove these foreign bodies or if it becomes difficult to do so, you should consult your veterinarian.
Eyelid Lining Retention
Leopard geckos have this eye issue because when they shed their skin they leave some thin skin layer on their eyelids. This causes them to have problems with their eyes like infections and eye swelling.
Causes- This issue occurs when your Leopard gecko does not shed properly due to some difficulties with the shed process.
Symptoms
- Blinking eyes frequently.
- Their eyelids are covered in skin
- Eye rubbing excessively.
Treatment
In order to resolve this problem, you should schedule an appointment with your leopard gecko veterinarian.
For Leopard Geckos to shed properly, you should provide a hidden area during shedding time and provide them with a humid temperature
Eye Abscesses
In Leopard Geckos, this disease can cause an eye puncture, an infection, or swelling and pain in the eye. This is a result of the abscesses that form in their eyes.
Causes- Generally, this can occur when Leopard geckos fight with tankmates when they are bitten in the eyes by live mealworms or any other live food. Also, if their eyes are infected with conjunctivitis or vitamin A deficiency.
Symptoms-
- A bump under a gecko's eye indicates an abscess.
- Eyes cannot be opened.
- Having white or yellow cloudy eyes.
- The eyes become non-symmetrically swollen.
Treatment-
- In order to avoid fights, place Gecko in a separate tank.
- Leopard geckos suffering from abscesses need to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet might prescribe eye drops or pain medication.
Eye proptosis
As a result of this eye issue, the eyeball of the leopard gecko comes out of the eye socket, which is highly uncommon in leopard geckos
Causes- This occurs when a leopard gecko squeezes too hard, causing its eye to pop out.
Symptoms
- When their eyes cannot be fully moved.
- Eyelids are closed.
Treatment- As a result of this problem, there is only one solution that can be found, and that is to meet your Leopard gecko's veterinarian as soon as possible in order to resolve it.
Eye infection
This eye issue occurs when an infected Leopard gecko eye is infected by viral, fungus, injuries, or parasitic infections
Causes- When the Leopard gecko tank is dirty, there is a possibility of parasite infection. In gecko eyes, when foreign bodies stay in there for an extended period, they can cause injuries.
Symptoms-
- An enlarged or shrinking leopard gecko eye is a sign of an eye infection.
- The leopard gecko's reddish eyes and inability to open their eyes are symptoms of an eye infection.
Treatment-
- It is recommended that you clean the Leopard gecko's tank regularly.
- If you notice that your Leopard geckos have parasites in their eyes, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Corneal Ulcer
It is also commonly known as ulcerative keratitis. An ulcer is a small hole in the cornea of the eye of the leopard gecko. It can be small or large, and it is very painful.
Causes- A leopard gecko is likely to suffer from this condition when a foreign body gets stuck in the eye of the gecko, When the eyeball is scratched excessively during fights, or when a gecko has parasites or infections, it can also happen.
Symptoms-
- If your Leopard geckos try to clean their eyes with their tongues or scratch with their feet, they may have an eye ulcer.
- When their eyes squint
- When they are unable to open their eyes.
Treatment- There may be a need for you to visit your veterinarian if your leopard gecko suffers from corneal ulcers. The vet will probably prescribe eye drops or use an eye stain.
Pinkeye
It may also be referred to as conjunctivitis, and it is caused generally by inflammation of the tissue that is located on the lining of the eyelid of the gecko. This lining is referred to as conjunctivitis, and it may appear pinkish-red in color.
Causes- The Leopard Gecko gets this eye issue when it lives in a dirty tank, and eats unhygienic food and when it drinks dirty water, the Leopard Gecko gets this eye issue.
Symptoms- When leopard geckos have bulging eyelids, it is a sign that they are conjunctivitis.
Treatment-
- Your Leopard Geckos should be kept in a clean habitat as well as fed hygienic food to ensure that they remain healthy.
- In order to treat conjunctivitis in leopard geckos, antibiotic eye drops or an ointment must be used.
Vitamin A Deficiency
The leopard gecko may have problems with their eyes when there is not enough vitamin A in their diet, which is commonly called hypovitaminosis A. The right amount of vitamin A in a leopard gecko's diet ensures that they have a clear cornea. This gives them the ability to see well in low-light conditions.
Causes- It will happen when the leopard gecko diet does not contain sufficient amounts of vitamin A which will lead to them suffering from eye problems.
Symptoms
- When Leopard geckos lose their appetites.
- Change in color of its skin,
- When there is a pseudo-abscess near the eye.
- Shedding issues occur during sheds.
Treatment- To help them overcome these deficiencies, you should supplement their diet with multivitamins or gut-loaded insects in order to help them overcome their deficiencies.
Trauma
Leopard gecko trauma is an eye problem that occurs when the eye and the surrounding areas of the eye are injured either by scratching, biting, or abrasions. This can cause unwanted infections around the eye.
Causes- Normally, this will occur when a Leopard Gecko fights with its tank mate or whenever something sharp object is present in the Leopard Gecko's tank
Symptoms
- When a Leopard Gecko's eye is scratched.
- When Leopard geckos have trouble opening their eyes.
Treatment
- It is recommended that you visit a veterinarian if your leopard gecko suffers from deep eye damage.
- Make sure that the gecko habitat is free of sharp objects.
- It is best to avoid placing too many Leopard geckos in one tank in order to prevent fights.
The leopard gecko can also suffer from some other eye problems, such as uveitis, neoplasia, etc.
What is the reason behind the leopard gecko's eye infections so often?
Leopard geckos are particularly prone to eye infections because of some reasons which are given below. These reasons are as follows:
- It is because leopard geckos have big eyes in proportion to their head size. When they eat something, it gets stuck in their eyes and they develop eye problems.
- When Leopard geckos eat unbalanced foods and live in dirty tanks, then the risk of infection is increased significantly.
- When humidity levels and the temperature are not optimum, the chances of a leopard gecko contracting an eye infection also increase.
What can I do to prevent eye issues in Leopard Geckos?
It is very common for pet owners to be concerned about how they can prevent eye issues in Leopard Geckos. Fortunately, we have provided you with some tips on the following points that can help you prevent eye issues in Leopard Geckos.
- In order to keep the Leopard Gecko healthy, you should provide a clean and safe environment for it.
- The habitat of a Leopard Gecko must be maintained at the optimum temperature and humidity.
- Leopard Geckos should be provided with a balanced diet as well as the necessary vitamins and supplements for their health.
- The best thing you can do for them is to provide them with clean water every day in a clean bowl.
- Keeping a separate Leopard gecko in a separate tank is the most effective way to prevent a fight and bullying between the two animals.
Leopard Gecko genetic eye defects
Leopard Geckos are sometimes born with congenital eye abnormalities, such as Cyclopia, which may be caused by inbreeding.
Below are some of the most common congenital eye problems in Leopard Geckos.
- Blindness,
- Anophthalmos,
- Microphthalmia,
- Cyclopia,
- Ankyloblepharon,
- Albino.
The most common congenital issue that leopard geckos suffer from is blindness. Due to blindness, your leopard gecko may have difficulty catching moving insects and maybe have a few other problems. However, it is nothing to worry about. Your gecko will learn to live with it for the rest of his life. You will need to care for a blind gecko and give it proper attention.