Gecko Eye Infection

When a gecko’s eyes appear swollen, cloudy, or stuck shut, it indicates an infection or severe irritation that needs immediate attention. Ocular issues can be caused by simple trauma, but they frequently signal a deep underlying problem related to husbandry or a systemic illness. Because a gecko’s vision is vital for hunting and survival, any eye problem requires prompt, expert veterinary assessment.

Ocular inflammation or discharge is a serious sign that requires immediate veterinary attention.
The most common causes are improper shedding (dysecdysis), Vitamin A deficiency, and bacterial infection.
Treatment often involves both topical medication and correction of critical environmental factors.

Why Does My Gecko Develop Eye Problems?

The most frequent cause of ocular irritation and subsequent infection is poor husbandry. This includes improper humidity (too low, leading to retained shed, or too high, leading to pathogen growth) and Vitamin A deficiency (Hypovitaminosis A), often seen in geckos on incomplete diets. When the eye membrane (like the spectacle in Leopard Geckos) or the eyelid becomes irritated or damaged, opportunistic bacteria (like Pseudomonas) invade, causing severe infection. Other causes include foreign material (substrate, dust) lodged beneath the eyelid, or trauma from cage mates or objects.

Types of Gecko Eye Infection

Eye problems in geckos are typically classified by the part of the eye affected and the root cause:

Infectious Ocular Disease

Bacterial/Fungal

Caused by pathogens invading an irritated or damaged eye surface. Often presents with thick, yellow, or white discharge, severe swelling, and sticky eyelids. Requires species-appropriate antibiotics or antifungals.

Abscessation

A pus pocket forming beneath the eyelids or surrounding tissues, usually due to a deep-seated bacterial infection. Requires surgical drainage and systemic antibiotics.

Traumatic and Environmental Disease

Foreign Body

Sand, coir, or other small substrate particles become lodged under the eyelid, causing severe mechanical irritation and predisposing the eye to infection.

Trauma

Injury from an aggressive cage mate (common during feeding) or rubbing the eye on rough surfaces, leading to scratches on the cornea.

Symptoms of Gecko Eye Infection

Because vision is critical, any symptom that impairs sight should be treated as an urgent matter:

Swelling and Puffiness

The eyelids are visibly swollen, red, or puffy, often bulging outwards or remaining partially closed.

Discharge

The discharge can be thin and watery, or thick, yellow, or white (pus), indicating a serious bacterial infection.

Rubbing

The gecko frequently rubs its eye on cage furniture or substrate in an attempt to alleviate severe irritation or itchiness.

Sticky/Stuck Shut

The eyelids are crusted shut with dried discharge, making it impossible for the gecko to open its eyes.

Cloudiness or Opacity

The surface of the eye appears milky, white, or opaque, which can be retained shed, severe inflammation, or damage to the cornea.

Failure to Hunt

The gecko misses food, refuses to acknowledge prey, or is generally disoriented, signaling severe vision impairment.

Prevention & Gecko Care

Humidity Management

Ensure a functioning moist hide is always available to promote flawless shedding and prevent retained eyecaps.

Medication Adherence

Strictly follow the schedule for all oral and topical medications to fully eliminate the pathogen.

Dietary Completeness

Feed a complete, balanced diet and use appropriate Vitamin A supplementation if necessary, based on veterinary advice.

Shedding Vigilance

Closely monitor the gecko during its next shed cycle to ensure the eye surface sheds cleanly.

Safe Substrate

Avoid dusty or fine, loose substrates that pose a risk of entering the eye and causing irritation.