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My leopard gecko's eye has a stuck shed cap. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hello my leopard gecko is having troubles shedding and her eye is stuck open because of her of her shed , there seems to be a thin layer over her eye

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 27th, 2016

Make a moist shed container for Aurora. This can easily be done using a small plastic container and some paper towels or a washcloth. Poke holes in the lid, moisten the towel or cloth with warm water and place her in the container for 15-20 minutes. A moist hide should also be placed in the enclosure during sheds. Use a Q-Tip to gently wipe old shed off after soaking. If the eye cap does not come off, do not try to remove it yourself. Have her examined by an experienced herp veterinarian.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 24th, 2016

    He likely has a retained eye cap. You can soak him in warm water for 10-15 minutes then gently rub loose skin off. Do not force or pull any shed that won't release. You can construct a humid hide using a small plastic container. Cut a hole large enough for Razor to enter and exit. Fill with warm, moist paper towels and place it in his enclosure. Another option is to leave him in a plastic container (with holes in the lid) filled with warm, moist paper towels. The humidity build up will help shedding. Leave him inside for 15-20 minutes but make sure he doesn't get chilled. After he soaks, use a cotton swab (Q-tip) and gently dab a bit of plain mineral oil on the affected eyes. Leave it overnight. In the morning, use another clean cotton swab or your clean finger moistened with sterile saline to GENTLY swab the eye. The cap should slide off. If it doesn't, don't force it. Soak him again, apply mineral oil again and wait overnight. If it still doesn't come off, see an experienced herp veterinarian.

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