It can be difficult to determine if a gecko is going or gone blind, but here are 10 signs to look out for:
- Cloudy eyes: Cloudiness or opacity in one or both eyes can be a sign of eye problems, including blindness.
- Difficulty finding food: If your gecko has trouble locating food or shows disinterest in feeding, it could be an indication of vision problems.
- Unusual behavior around food: If your gecko has trouble catching or eating prey, it could be a sign of vision impairment.
- Lack of response to movement: If your gecko does not react to movement around them, it could be a sign of vision problems.
- Unusual behavior in the enclosure: If your gecko appears disoriented or uncoordinated in its movements, it could be a sign of impaired vision.
- Bumping into objects: If your gecko bumps into objects in its enclosure or shows signs of poor spatial awareness, it could be a sign of blindness.
- Hiding more frequently: If your gecko spends more time hiding than usual, it could be due to poor vision.
- Abnormal shedding: If your gecko’s shedding cycle becomes irregular, it could be due to underlying health problems, including eye problems.
- Sunken eyes: Sunken eyes or eyes that appear smaller than usual can be a sign of eye problems or dehydration, which can lead to vision problems.
- Reduced activity: If your gecko becomes less active than usual, it could be due to vision problems.
If you suspect that your gecko may be going or gone blind, it is important to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Eye Problems in Leopard Geckos: Types, Diagnosis, Treatment
Leopard geckos can experience a variety of eye problems, including infections, injuries, and genetic conditions. Here are some types of eye problems that may affect leopard geckos, as well as their diagnosis and treatment:
- Conjunctivitis: Also known as “pink eye,” conjunctivitis is a common eye problem in leopard geckos that is caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes. Treatment may involve topical or oral antibiotics, as well as cleaning the eyes with saline solution.
- Retained eye caps: Leopard geckos shed their skin in one piece, but sometimes the skin over the eyes doesn’t come off completely, leaving a thin layer over the eye. This can cause inflammation, infection, and even blindness if left untreated. Treatment may involve soaking the gecko in warm water to help loosen the skin, and gently removing the retained eye caps with a cotton swab.
- Corneal ulcers: Corneal ulcers are open sores on the surface of the eye that can be caused by injuries or infections. Symptoms include cloudiness, discharge, and pain. Treatment may involve topical antibiotics or antifungal medications, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
- Cataracts: Cataracts are a common age-related eye problem in leopard geckos, but they can also be caused by genetic conditions or injuries. Symptoms include cloudiness or opacity of the eye. Treatment may involve surgical removal of the cataract, although this can be risky and is not always successful.
- Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can cause a range of eye problems in leopard geckos, including dryness, cloudiness, and even blindness. Treatment may involve supplementing the gecko’s diet with vitamin A-rich foods, such as carrots and squash.
If you suspect that your leopard gecko is experiencing an eye problem, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve your gecko’s overall health and quality of life.
Can Gecko Lizards Go Blind?
Yes, gecko lizards can go blind. There are various factors that can cause blindness in geckos, including injury, infection, and genetics.
Why Do Geckos Go Blind? There are several reasons why geckos may go blind, including:
- Injury: Physical trauma or injury to the eyes can cause blindness in geckos.
- Infection: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause eye problems that can lead to blindness.
- Genetic conditions: Some gecko species may be more prone to inherited eye conditions that can cause blindness.
- Poor husbandry: Improper lighting, temperature, and humidity levels can also contribute to eye problems and vision impairment.
How Do I Know If Something Is Wrong With My Gecko?
Here are some signs that may indicate something is wrong with your gecko:
- Abnormal behavior, such as lethargy or lack of appetite.
- Visible physical symptoms, such as weight loss, skin lesions, or abnormal shedding.
- Unusual discharge from the nose or mouth.
- Changes in feces, such as diarrhea or abnormal color.
- Respiratory problems, such as wheezing or labored breathing.
- Eye problems, such as cloudiness or discharge.
- Abnormal behavior around food, including difficulty locating or catching prey.
- Changes in posture or mobility.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles as soon as possible.
Leopard Gecko Eyes Stuck Shut
If your leopard gecko’s eyes are stuck shut, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Here are some possible causes:
- Infection: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause eye problems in geckos, including eye discharge and stuck shut eyes.
- Shedding: If your gecko is going through a shedding cycle, the skin around their eyes may become dry and flaky, causing the eyes to stick shut.
- Dehydration: If your gecko is dehydrated, their eyes may become dry and sticky.
- Injury: Physical trauma or injury to the eyes can cause inflammation and discharge, leading to stuck shut eyes.
If your gecko’s eyes are stuck shut, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Leopard Gecko Blind Symptoms
Here are some symptoms that may indicate blindness in leopard geckos:
- Cloudy or opaque eyes.
- Lack of response to movement or stimuli.
- Difficulty finding food or catching prey.
- Unusual behavior around feeding time.
- Abnormal shedding cycles.
- Bumping into objects or walls.
- Hiding more frequently than usual.
If you suspect that your leopard gecko may be blind, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Leopard Gecko Cloudy Eye Cloudy or opaque eyes in leopard geckos can be a sign of an underlying health problem, including infection, injury, or genetic conditions. Here are some possible causes:
- Infection: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause eye problems in geckos, including cloudiness or discharge.
- Injury: Physical trauma or injury to the eyes can cause inflammation and cloudiness.
- Genetic conditions: Some gecko species may be more prone to inherited eye conditions that can cause cloudiness or opacity.
- Poor husbandry: Improper lighting, temperature, and humidity levels can also contribute to eye problems and cloudiness.
How to Hand Feed a Blind Leopard Gecko?
Hand feeding a blind leopard gecko requires a gentle touch and some patience. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Choose the right food: Blind geckos may have trouble locating food, so it’s important to choose something that is easy to smell and taste. Live insects, such as crickets or mealworms, are often the best option.
- Prepare the food: If you are feeding live insects, make sure they are appropriately sized for your gecko and dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements. You can also try pre-killed insects or commercial gecko food.
- Approach your gecko slowly: Move slowly and speak softly to your gecko before attempting to hand feed them. This will help them become accustomed to your presence and reduce their stress levels.
- Offer the food: Place the food in front of your gecko’s mouth, gently tapping their nose to help them locate it. You can also use a feeding tool, such as a pair of tweezers or a feeding dish, to make it easier for your gecko to find the food.
- Be patient: It may take some time for your gecko to become comfortable with hand feeding, so be patient and try not to force the issue. Offer the food daily and monitor your gecko’s weight to ensure they are getting enough nutrition.
- Clean up: After your gecko has finished eating, clean up any leftover food and sanitize any feeding tools to prevent the spread of bacteria.
If you are having trouble hand feeding your blind leopard gecko, it may be helpful to consult with a veterinarian or experienced reptile keeper for additional guidance.