Reptile Eye Rot is a serious condition that can affect many reptiles. It’s caused by a cornea infection and usually results in thick yellowish discharge, cloudiness or eye opacity, and ulcers on the surface of their eye. If left untreated, Eye Rot can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness.
In order to treat Eye Rot, prompt veterinary care is essential. Treatment generally includes the use of topical antibiotics, systemic antibiotics, and potentially topical steroids to reduce inflammation. Surgery can also be necessary to remove infected tissue or ulcerated corneal tissue. In some cases, a reptile with Eye Rot will benefit from artificial tears or ointments to help keep their eyes lubricated and soothe irritations. It’s important to follow the advice of a veterinarian and all treatment instructions carefully.
In order to prevent Eye Rot, proper husbandry is essential. This includes keeping their enclosure at an appropriate temperature range, humidity level, and UVB lighting for your reptile. Feed only fresh and nutritious food because foods lacking nutrition can contribute to eye problems. Regular eye monitoring for any signs of infection is important. Early detection and treatment can help to alleviate discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening.
Symptoms of Reptile Eye Rot
- Thick yellowish discharge from the eyes
- Eye cloudiness or opacity
- Ulcers on the surface of their eye
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Visible redness in their eyes
- Excessive tears or mucus discharge
- Eyelids swelling
Diagnosing Reptile Eye Rot
Diagnosing Eye Rot is usually made based on the visual assessment of their eyes. A veterinarian can also conduct a physical examination, take a sample of eye discharge for laboratory testing, and use an ophthalmoscope to look deeper into their eye structure.
Stages of Reptile Eye Rot
Mild to Moderate Infection Stage:
The affected eye appears slightly cloudy, minor discharge present.
Moderate to Severe Infection Stage:
The affected eye is hazy or opaque, yellow or greenish discharge will be present. The eye can be swollen and ulceration is possible.
Severe Infection Stage:
The affected eye is very severely clouded or opaque, thick yellowish discharge is present, and ulceration can be present.
Blindness Stage:
The affected eye is completely opaque with no visible movement or sensation.
Treating Reptile Eye Rot
- Topical antibiotics: Applying topical antibiotics such as Terramycin to the affected eye can help clear up any infection present.
- Systemic Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics can be prescribed to help fight the underlying infection and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery will be needed to remove infected or ulcerated tissue.
- Artificial Tears or Ointments: Ointments such as Refresh Plus might be recommended to help lubricate their eye and reduce discomfort.
- Environmental Control: Providing an appropriate temperature range, humidity level, and UVB lighting for your reptile is essential in helping prevent further infection.
- Nutrition: Feeding only fresh and nutritious food can help prevent eye problems.
Preventing Reptile Eye Rot
Preventing Eye Rot is essential in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of your reptile. Proper husbandry is key as providing an appropriate temperature range, humidity level, and UVB lighting are all important factors in preventing eye infections. Feeding only fresh and nutritious food can help prevent eye problems. Regularly monitoring their eyes for signs of infection is also important. Early detection and treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening.