Reptile & Amphibian Forums

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm
Some lizards are developing photo-kerato-conjunctivitis. Some have died.

"Typical symptoms included a refusal of the animals to open the eyes, lethargy and inappetance; many also stopped basking. More severely affected animals developed swollen eyelids, and a small number developed lesions resembling burns and exfoliation of the skin of the eyelids."

For further information see the site.

Thank you kinyonga for posting this!

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm

I'm using ExoTerra Repti-Glo Compact Flourecents on half my cages, and linear tubes on the other half. The packaging says nothing about safe distances, only that it's effective to 30cm (12inches). I'm resisting panic, but one of my chameleons has been shedding the skin about his eyes with odd frequency. I'm turning off his UVB bulb (which is a month old and positioned so that he can get quite close to it) immediately. Not sure what I'll do long term. Obviously I need to provide UVB in some manner (I'm in Canada and its Fall so ourdoor true sun exposure is not possible due to cold temperatures).
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Sandra
BC Canada

I was just cruising through this forum...thinking about getting a chameleon.

I sold two hatchling beardies to a friend who bought Zilla desert lights. Both babies have photokeratoconjunctivitis. One is doing much better but the smallest is still just hanging on. His eyelids are still puffing and swollen. The large one looks like the end of his tail is baked and is having difficulty shedding. Both have darkened skin on the back. Such a shame. I know you guys wouldn't use desert bulbs and I'm not sure if they are having difficulties with anything else, but if you keep desert species, please take a look.