When caring for a leopard gecko, it’s essential to watch out for any signs of illness or distress. One common issue that can occur with these lizards is cloudy eyes. Cloudy eyes can have several causes, so it’s essential to identify the cause to provide the proper treatment.
There are different reasons why leopard geckos may develop cloudy eyes. Typically, it’s due to retained shed around the eyes or infections. Additionally, it might be due to foreign bodies in the eyes or parasites.
This article discusses the causes of cloudy eyes in leopard geckos and available treatment options. We’ll also give you tips on preventing cloudy eyes in your gecko.
What Causes Cloudy Eyes in Leopard Geckos?
The reasons why your leopard gecko might develop cloudy eyes include the following:
Retained Shed
The most common cause is incomplete shedding, which can leave a film or residue over the eyes. Leopard geckos experience great distress during and immediately following the shedding process.
Sometimes, the skin around the eyes may refuse to come off, leading to foggy vision. This accumulation of sticky ultimately results in clouded eyes and decreased vision.
Foreign Materials in the Eye
Foreign materials such as dust, sand, or dirt can also get into the eyes and cause them to become cloudy. When these objects get into the eyes, they can prick or scratch the eye, making it cloudy
Infections
Sometimes, your leopard gecko might have cloudiness in its eyes due to infections such as cataracts, conjunctiva, or abscesses. Bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens might affect different parts of the eyes
If your leopard gecko has cloudy eyes, the best course of action is to take it to a veterinarian specializing in reptiles. The veterinarian can determine the cause of the cloudy eyes and recommend the best treatment.
Signs of Cloudy Eyes in Leopard Geckos
Many different indicators point to clouded eyes in leopard geckos. Without treatment, your leopard gecko is likely to develop blindness. Some of the symptoms of include:
- Closing of eyes and eye-twitching: When your Leo has cloudy eyes due to retained shed, they’ll keep shutting their eyes, and you might catch them blinking uncontrollably.
- Whitish discharge from the eyes: Your leopard geckos may also start to produce some whitish puss.
- Hitting objects when moving around: While geckos boast excellent eyesight, cloudiness makes them lose their sharp sense, and they might start to collide with accessories inside their cages.
If the condition is not treated as soon as possible, it might escalate and lead to partial or complete blindness.
Treatment of Cloudy Eyes in Leopard Geckos
If your leopard gecko has cloudy eyes, the best thing to do is take it to a vet. Cloudy eyes can be caused by many things, including incomplete shedding, foreign materials in the eyes, and even fungal infections.
The vet can identify the cause of your leopard gecko’s cloudy eyes and recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases, this may involve medication or eye drops.
The vet may also prescribe an antibiotic if an infection is what causes your leopard gecko to have cloudy eyes.
How to Prevent Cloudy Eyes in Leopard Geckos
Cloudy eyes can be challenging to treat, and prevention is the best action. Luckily, there are things you can do to protect your leopard gecko from developing cloudy eyes.
Provide Optimal Humidity
The most typical cause of cloudy eyes in leopard geckos is incomplete shedding, so you must provide an environment with adequate humidity and temperature levels to ensure that shedding happens appropriately.
That way, all pieces of skin are shed at once, and there’s no chance for them to stick around and irritate the eye.
Get Rid of Sharp and Loose Objects
Another potential cause of cloudy eyes is foreign objects getting in the eye. To avoid this, ensure the living environment is clean and free of foreign objects or debris.
Additionally, use a suitable substrate in your pet’s enclosure. Also, regularly watch out for any signs of infection or debris in the eye, and remove any irritants as soon as possible.
These simple steps can significantly reduce your leopard gecko’s risk of developing cloudy eyes.
Role of Vet Visit for Cloudy Eyes in Leopard Geckos
The role of a vet visit for cloudy eyes in leopard geckos cannot be overstated. A vet visit is necessary if you suspect foreign objects are the cause of your gecko’s eye problem. Your vet can look at the affected eye and recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
Your vet can also provide antibiotics, eye drops, and other medications. In some instances, surgery may be essential to remove an object from the eye or to treat an infection.
If your gecko’s cloudy eyes are caused by incomplete shedding, your vet may recommend gently wiping the affected area with a wet cloth to help facilitate complete shedding.
Follow your vet’s instructions closely and provide your gecko with plenty of rest and comfort as it recovers. Remember: regular vet check-ups can help prevent this type of problem from occurring in the first place!
Are Cloudy Eyes Contagious Among Leopard Geckos?
No, cloudy eyes are not contagious. Respiratory and bacterial infections may be spread through contact, but not cloudy eyes.
Can A Leopard Gecko Recover from Cloudy Eyes?
Yes, a leopard gecko can usually recover from cloudy eyes with proper treatment and care if the cause is identified and addressed.
Will Cloudy Eyes Get Worse If Left Untreated?
Yes, if your leopard gecko has cloudy eyes and is left untreated, it can worsen and even lead to permanent blindness.