One of the unique features in leopard geckos is their eyes. The eye size and colors make these lizards look attractive, cuddly, and different from other gecko species. Additionally, they play a significant role in the survival of these lizards. Leopard geckos boast being one of the few leopard gecko species with functional eyelids.

However, leopard gecko eyes are highly prone to various eye problems, some of which need a good rinsing to get them back to normal. Cleaning your leopard gecko eyes is not a complicated process. You must flush some sterile saline solution into the affected eye or use a damp cotton swab to remove the skin stuck around the eyes gently.

Why Do Leopard Geckos Experience Eye Problems?

Because these reptiles boast large eyes that are disproportionate to the size of the head, they tend to experience more vision-related issues than most animals.

Conversely, these animals must be kept in terrariums with certain conditions and eat a particular diet to keep their eyes in tip-top shape. 

There are several causes of eye issues in leopard geckos; surprisingly, they are more common in captive-bred geckos than in wild geckos. The main causes of eye issues in leopard geckos include:

• Retained shed around the eyes
• Conjunctivitis
• Abscess
• Corneal ulceration
• Foreign objects in the eye
• Trauma from scratches, abrasion, or blunt force
• Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections
• Impaction of eyelids
• Parasites

However, it’s worth noting that most leopard gecko eye problems can only be diagnosed and treated by qualified exotic vets. Still, keepers can fix a few issues at home through cleaning.

Leopard Gecko Eye Problems Than Can Be Fixed by Cleaning

Of all the eye problems in leopard geckos, only two can be fixed by cleaning the eye.

Retained Shed Around the Eyes

Reptiles have to shed their outer skin to facilitate growth and development. And as a matter of fact, leopard geckos are no exception. However, the skin around the leopard gecko’s eyes can get stuck if its enclosure doesn’t have the correct humidity.

Since leopard geckos have eyelids that follow a crease-like pattern, it’s often challenging for these creatures to shed the skin around the eyelids. This leads to a build-up of skin around the eye and a potential vision problem.

This condition can lead to loss of appetite, sluggish movement, and closed. Keepers can fix the problem by providing adequate humidity and cleaning the area with saline and damp cotton buds.

However, if the problem seems more complicated, don’t hesitate to seek help from a local reptile vet. 

Foreign Bodies in the Eyes

Leopard gecko keepers can also remove irritating foreign bodies that have found their way into the lizard’s eye. Because of the sheer size of the leopard gecko’s eyes, many objects can find their way into them.

For starters, if you use a loose substrate in a leopard gecko’s cage, some particles might find their way into the lizard’s eyes.

Other things that can get into the leopard gecko’s eyes include food and snippets of in-tank accessories. Most foreign objects can be flushed out of the leopard gecko’s eyes with a saline solution at home.

However, if the dislodged object has caused an inflammation or led to a severe infection, you must let a professional vet treat it.  

While treating all eye problems at home is impossible, giving your leopard gecko a gentle eye rinse can help alleviate the irritation.

How to Remove Foreign Bodies from A leopard Gecko’s Eyes?

One thing that leopard gecko keepers can do at home is to remove foreign bodies from their lizards’ eyes. Usually, it’s only possible to remove any foreign objects from the leopard gecko’s eyes if the animal agrees to open its eyes.

If your reptile friend doesn’t open its eyes, you’ll need to take it to the vet, where it’ll be given light anesthesia or sedation before treatment.

To clean your leopard gecko’s eyes, you’ll need the following:

• Cotton bud 
• Sterile-free saline solution

A step-to-step process of getting lodged materials out of a leopard gecko’s eyes thorough cleaning:

• Restrain your leopard gecko in your hand, ensuring that you don’t hurt it
• Rinse the eye with the saline solution
• Place the cotton bud in a sterile, preservative-free saline solution and use it to swab the affected eye
• Be extremely gentle and cautious when rinsing the eye, as a slight mistake can lead to serious damage
• If the foreign material is visible, try to remove it with the damp cotton bud

You must repeat the process a few times to ensure that the foreign body comes out and doesn’t cause any infection.

You should visit a vet if you think you cannot do the cleaning correctly. If you injure the gecko or make it aggrieved during the process, it can drop its tail, which is extremely stressful.

How to Help a Leopard Get Rid of Retained Skin around the Eyes?

To help your reptile friend shed the skin around its eyes, you’ll need a:

• A cotton swab or Q-tip
• Saline solution or boiled and then cooled water

Once everything is ready, put the saline solution or water in a wash bottle and rinse the eyelid.

Restrain your gecko and gently swab the affected area while applying light pressure with cotton or Q-tip. Roll the Q-tip or cotton swab in an upward motion.

Once you’re done, place the leopard gecko in a cage with a humid hide and repeat the process a few times. Remember, you don’t have to use force if the stuck shed doesn’t give way, as you can end up causing more damage.

Final Verdict

Cleaning your leopard gecko eyes is one of the best ways to solve a few eye issues. However, since these lizards are highly sensitive, keepers should be extra careful to avoid inflicting more damage and causing these animals more stress.

If your gecko has been having trouble with retained skin around the eyes or foreign objects getting into its eyes, we hope this article will help you clean your leopard gecko’s eyes successfully. However, don’t hesitate to involve a reptile vet if you feel you can’t do it.