Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 2 1/2 month old female veiled chameleon and she is not opening her right eye, she is moving it around like it were open but it is not. There is not dis-coloration of the eye it just is closed as if she was sleeping. Anyone ever had this problem? Does anyone know what it could be and what I should do about it?

Thanks, Tyler

Eye problems are some-what common in chameleons. Sometimes if it's just one eye it could be a foreign object in they eye. Sometimes a good misting can help get it out but other times a small catheter or syringe will help flush it out. Don't do this on your own! You should have a list of vets that treat reptiles in your area on hand at all times right If everything else looks good, eating, behavior, color etc. that would be my guess. However if left unattended a foreign matter in the eye could be fatal. malnutrition can be another cause but I am guessing you have been providing all it needs, UVB, heat, misting, good food. Remember they do need a basking area from 90-105 with ambient temps at about 80 and in the 70's at night. Without the proper heat they can develope respiratory and eye infections. I see alot of people forgetting that veileds need a basking spot and just keep an ambient temp. I am sure you know all this but I just thought I would go over it. I wish you the best of luck and hope your little guy/girl gets well soon.

Is there any sticky stuff "glueing" the eyelid shut? If there is no discharge it can be a sign that the cham is a bit dehydrated or not able to clean its eyes often enough. Yes, could be a bit of foreign object, or she might have poked herself on the tip of a leaf. Give her a lot of chances to flush the eye herself by spraying gently (light spray with warm water for a longer time rather than a short intense squirt) more often. See if she moves the eye around and tries to clean it. Also, flushing with sterile contact lens solution (without preservatives) can be a bit more comfortable...stings less than water.