Why is My Bearded Dragon Closing One Eye? Common Causes Explained

Seeing your bearded dragon close one eye can be a little unsettling, but don’t panic! This article will explore some of the most common reasons why your beardie might be exhibiting this behavior, helping you determine if it’s a cause for concern.

Understanding Closing One Eye in Bearded Dragons

While occasionally closing one eye can be a normal behavior in bearded dragons (like if something gets in their eye), it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right. This could range from a minor environmental issue to a more serious health problem. Therefore, it’s crucial to observe your dragon closely and address any potential problems.

Common Causes for Closing One Eye

There are several reasons why your bearded dragon might be closing one eye. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

• Environmental Issues:
  • Lighting: Improper UVB and basking lights are common problems. If the UVB bulb is old, too far away, or of the wrong type, it can cause eye irritation or even health problems that manifest as eye issues. Similarly, overly bright basking lights can cause discomfort and lead to one-eye closure.
  • Temperature: Inadequate temperature gradients can stress your dragon. Too hot or too cold, and they may exhibit unusual behaviors like closing one eye.
  • Humidity: Incorrect humidity levels can cause shedding problems, especially around the eyes. Skin stuck around the eye can be irritating and cause them to close it.
  • Substrate: Dusty or irritating substrates can get into your dragon’s eye and cause discomfort.
  • Enclosure Size/Setup: A small or cluttered enclosure can stress your dragon. Lack of space for thermoregulation or hiding can lead to problems.
• Shedding Issues:
  • Bearded dragons shed their skin, including the skin around their eyes. Sometimes, the shed skin gets stuck, causing irritation and discomfort, leading to the dragon closing one eye. Inspect your dragon’s eye area carefully for stuck shed. A gentle, lukewarm soak may help loosen the shed skin.
• Eye Irritation/Injury:
  • A foreign object, such as sand, dirt, or a piece of food, could be lodged in your dragon’s eye. This is a very common reason for one eye closure.
  • Scratches, abrasions, or other injuries to the eye can also cause pain and lead to the dragon keeping the eye closed to protect it.
• Infection:
  • Eye infections can be bacterial or fungal, causing inflammation, discharge, and discomfort. These infections often lead to eye closure.
• Stress Factors:
  • Handling: Excessive or rough handling can stress your beardie, leading to various behavioral changes, including closing one eye.
  • Changes: Major changes to their environment (e.g., moving the enclosure, new furniture) can cause stress.
  • Noise: Loud or sudden noises can startle and stress your dragon.
  • Other Pets: The presence of other pets, especially those that might be seen as predators, can be stressful.

When You Should Be Concerned

While closing one eye may sometimes be a minor issue, watch out for these warning signs that suggest a more serious problem requiring veterinary attention:

• Lethargy (lack of energy)
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Swelling, redness, or discharge around the eye
• Difficulty opening the eye
• Rubbing the eye excessively
• Changes in feces or urates (color, consistency, frequency)
• Any other unusual behavior or physical abnormality

What to Do Next

Here’s a step-by-step approach to take if your bearded dragon is closing one eye:

• Double-check all habitat parameters: Ensure the temperature gradient, UVB lighting, and humidity levels are within the ideal range for bearded dragons. Refer to reputable online resources or your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
• Observe closely: Pay close attention to your dragon’s behavior for any other signs of illness or distress.
• Reduce potential stressors: Minimize handling, keep the environment calm and quiet, and ensure they have plenty of hiding places.
• Ensure proper diet and hydration: Offer fresh, appropriately sized insects and vegetables, and make sure they have access to clean water.
• Consider recent changes: Have you made any recent changes to their environment, diet, or routine?
• Inspect their eye: Gently look closely at the affected eye to see if you can spot anything obvious that is causing a problem.
• Consult an exotic veterinarian: If the behavior persists for more than a day or two, if you notice any of the warning signs listed above, or if you are simply concerned, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles. Do not attempt to treat a possible eye infection on your own.

Conclusion

Understanding why your bearded dragon is closing one eye requires careful observation and a systematic approach. While this behavior can sometimes be linked to minor environmental factors, it can also indicate a more serious health problem. If you’re concerned about your dragon’s health, seeking professional veterinary advice is always the best course of action.