When your bearded dragon keeps one eye closed, it's a clear sign that something is amiss and requires your immediate attention. This behavior often indicates discomfort, pain, or an underlying health issue. It's crucial to identify the cause quickly to prevent further complications and ensure your pet's well-being.
Common Reasons for a Closed Eye in Bearded Dragons
Several factors can lead to a bearded dragon closing one eye. These range from environmental issues to more serious health concerns.
1. Eye Injuries or Irritation
The delicate nature of a bearded dragon's eye makes it susceptible to injury.
- Corneal Scratches: Scratches to the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) can be quite painful. Your bearded dragon will likely keep the affected eye closed due to this discomfort. These injuries can occur from:
- Sharp objects in the enclosure (e.g., rough branches, sharp decor).
- Substrate particles getting into the eye.
- Accidental pokes during handling or from tank mates.
- Foreign Objects: Tiny pieces of substrate, food, or shed skin can get lodged in the eye, causing irritation and prompting your dragon to keep it closed.
- Environmental Irritants: Dust, strong fumes from cleaning products, or even very dry air can irritate the eyes.
2. Infections
Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections can cause inflammation and pain, leading to eye closure.
- Bacterial Infections: These are common and can result from an injury that becomes infected or from poor sanitation in the enclosure. Symptoms might include discharge, swelling, and redness.
- Fungal Infections: Less common but can occur, especially in humid or unclean conditions.
- Parasites: Internal parasites can sometimes manifest with external symptoms, including eye issues, though this is less direct than other causes.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
One significant, yet often overlooked, cause is a lack of essential nutrients.
- Hypovitaminosis A: This condition results from too little vitamin A in the diet. It can lead to changes in the tissue lining the eye, causing swelling around the eye and ultimately eye closure. Vitamin A is vital for healthy skin, mucous membranes, and vision. A diet lacking in appropriate vegetables and supplemented insects can contribute to this.
4. Shedding Issues
Bearded dragons shed their skin periodically, and sometimes this process can affect the eyes.
- Retained Eye Caps: Occasionally, a layer of old skin (an "eye cap") might not shed properly from over the eye. This can obscure vision, irritate the eye, and cause the dragon to keep it closed. Attempting to remove retained shed without veterinary guidance can cause severe injury.
5. Abscesses or Swelling
An abscess (a collection of pus) near or behind the eye can cause significant swelling, pushing on the eye and making it difficult or painful to open. This often stems from an infection.
Summary of Causes
| Cause | Description | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Injuries | Scratches, foreign objects, rough enclosure items. | Closed eye, discomfort, visible scratch or debris. |
| Infections | Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. | Swelling, redness, discharge, closed eye. |
| Nutritional Deficit | Hypovitaminosis A (too little vitamin A). | Swelling around the eye, eye closure. |
| Shedding Issues | Retained eye caps or shed skin around the eye. | Opaque eye, inability to open, visible retained skin. |
| Abscesses | Collection of pus near the eye. | Significant swelling, closed eye, pain. |
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Has a Closed Eye
If you notice your bearded dragon keeping one eye closed, it's essential to act promptly.
- Inspect the Eye (Carefully): Gently examine the eye for any obvious foreign objects, swelling, redness, or discharge. Do not attempt to remove anything lodged in the eye yourself.
- Check the Enclosure: Look for any sharp objects, rough decor, or potential irritants that could have caused an injury. Ensure the substrate is appropriate and not dusty.
- Review Diet: Consider your bearded dragon's diet. Are you providing a variety of gut-loaded insects and fresh vegetables rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin A precursors?
- Monitor Environment: Verify that your enclosure's temperature, humidity, and lighting (UVA/UVB) are all within the correct parameters for bearded dragons. Inadequate UVB can indirectly affect overall health, including susceptibility to infections.
- Learn more about proper bearded dragon care at Reptile Basics.
- Consult a Veterinarian: The most crucial step is to seek veterinary attention from an exotic pet vet experienced with reptiles. They can accurately diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatment.
- Find a qualified reptile veterinarian near you through resources like the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV).
Prevention Strategies
- Optimal Enclosure Setup:
- Use smooth, rounded decor and branches.
- Choose appropriate, non-dusty substrate (e.g., tile, paper towels, or a reptile-safe sand/soil mix if applicable and in proper depth).
- Ensure proper temperature, humidity, and UVB lighting.
- Balanced Diet:
- Provide a varied diet of appropriate insects (gut-loaded) and fresh leafy greens/vegetables.
- Supplement with calcium and a multivitamin that includes Vitamin A (but be careful not to over-supplement, as too much Vitamin A can also be harmful).
- Refer to comprehensive care guides like those from VCA Animal Hospitals for detailed dietary recommendations.
- Good Hygiene:
- Regularly clean and sanitize the enclosure to prevent bacterial growth.
- Provide fresh water daily.
- Regular Health Checks:
- Gently examine your bearded dragon daily for any changes in behavior, appetite, or physical appearance, including their eyes.
Ignoring a closed eye can lead to permanent damage or blindness in the affected eye, or indicate a systemic issue that could worsen if left untreated. Prompt veterinary care is always the best course of action.
