Why is my leopard gecko's eye bloody and won't open after shedding?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on March 29th, 2016

  Leopard geckos don't shed their eyes like snakes, so it won't be a retained shed (eye cap). They do shed their eyelids and this skin can sometimes get stuck and cause irritation. Place him in a humid hide (make sure he can breath) for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, use a moistened cotton swab to GENTLY remove the skin. If it doesn't come, don't force it. Schedule an exam with a herp vet to remove it and to rule out infection or trauma.

  

  41Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on August 31st, 2021

  This could be a bit of shed skin or the eyelid shed that has gotten stuck on the eye. Leopard geckos shed the skin on the eyelids but not over the eyes (eye caps). Occasionally, some shed can stick. Try soaking him in some warm water or placing him in a warm, humid hide ( make sure there is air flow) for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, use a moistened cotton swab to gently dislodge it. Do not pull or force it in any way. If it won't come off, have him seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on April 5th, 2017

  Try soaking Gretchen in a warm water bath for 20-30 minutes. Use a moist cotton swab to gently wipe the eye cap off her eye. Don't force it if it does not move. Continue frequent soaks and misting to soften the cap and try wiping it with the swab or use fine tweezers. Mist her enclosure to raise the humidity and provide a moist hide during sheds to prevent retained eye caps in the future. If you can't remove it, have her seen by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian.

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful