Leopard Gecko Health: Eye Problems

Background Information

Please read our Disclaimer before reading any further into these common problems. As with any medical problem, we strongly recommend that you immediately contact your veterinarian for assistance.

Parasites and Pathogens

There are a wide variety of parasites and pathogens that could cause eye problems with leopard geckos. These could include:

External Parasites

Includes mites and ticks.

Parasites often lodge themselves in the scales surrounding the eyes.

Bacterial Infections

Can occur secondary to trauma, penetrating wounds, foreign bodies, system infections, dusty environments (ie bacterial conjunctivitis) or even the bite of an external parasite.

Most common microorganisms involved include: Aeromonas and Pseudomonas.

Viral Infections

Fungal Infections

Noninfectious Problems

There are a wide variety of noninfectious problems that could cause eye problems with leopard geckos. These could include:

Hypovitaminosis A
Trauma
Normal aging process.
Congenital and developmental problems. These could include genetic problems or they could be the result of inappropriate environmental temperatures during incubation.
Exposure to toxic substances and/or gases.

Diagnostic Techniques

The most common diagnostic techniques available to your veterinarian to further investigate eye problems with your leopard gecko could include:

Complete physical examination.
Detailed patient history and review of husbandry.
Cytology
Culture and sensitivity testing.

Treatment Options

The most appropriate therapeutic plan and treatment options will depend on the nature, cause and severity of the ocular problem itself. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified veterinarian in the event of any eye problem.

Remove external parasites if present.
Treat systemic infections if present.
Correct nutritional problems.
Correct environmental and husbandry practices.

Most blind or visually impaired leopard geckos (including those with congenital or developmental abnormalities of the eyes) can do fine in life with some minor modifications to your husbandry practices.

When dealing with medical problems, proper personal hygiene, quarantine and disinfection techniques are absolutely necessary.

Still Confused Or Concerned?

If you would like more information or further assistance, or just want to chat some more about leopard geckos, please feel free to post on the Reptile Rooms Leopard Gecko Forum!