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My bearded dragon's eyes are always closed. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My bearded dragon keeps her eyes closed constantly. She typically does not always keep them closed but for the past few days she has just been basking with her eyes completely closed. I tried to touch her and feed her, and she opens them momentarily but then goes back to keeping them closed. The new light is the same light I always use (100W UVB lamp). Even when the light is off, she keeps her eyes mostly closed. Sometimes even just has one eye closed...like the third photo

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2019

Thank you for reaching out about your beardie, and thank you for the photos - they are very helpful. It looks like your dragon's beard is quite black in the photos - this can be an indication of underlying stress. This is especially true if it is black on a regular basis. Additionally, excessive closing of the eyes can be an indication of weakness or illness. Unfortunately, reptiles are very good at hiding their illness so it can be challenging as an owner to be able to recognize that they don't feel well until they are very sick. Often it is recognized when their appetite decreases or stops altogether.
I would recommend having your dragon evaluated by a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination and can also discuss husbandry for your dragon. A large majority of issues that occur with reptiles are related to husbandry, and sometimes it is something that is seemingly minor that ends up causing a big issue.
I hope this gives you a place to start, and that your beardie feels better soon.
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 13th, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out about Iris. Not opening her eyes for periods of time is often an indication of weakness/lethargy. Is she still eating? Offering food and water with a syringe is important to maintain hydration and calories. Check and correct environemental temperature and UVB illumination. If the UVB bulb is older than 6 months, UV spectrum can burn out but bulb continues to produce white light. It doesn't necessarily need to be an exotic vet to look at your pet, hopefully. Sometimes the vet your see can phone consult with an exotic veterinarian. Remove any substrate and use towels in case dirt or sand got into the eyes.
    Good luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Zoological Medicine Specialist

    Published on May 10th, 2019

    Hi, I’m sorry to hear that Iris is having issues with her eyes. Keeping the eyes closed can be a sign of pain, eye trauma, infection, but can also be the result of a more widespread infection in the body, dehydration, or even vitamin A deficiency. Since there are so many possible causes of a bearded dragon keeping her eyes closed, I’d encourage you to take Iris to a veterinarian experienced with reptiles as soon as you are able. She will likely need eye drops and maybe systemic antibiotics. There may also be some changes in her environment and diet that might be recommended. I hope Iris feels better soon.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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