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My bearded dragon's eye is swollen and watery. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My bearded dragon has a watery swollen eye what should I do

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on November 28th, 2016

If it is just one eye, it may be infection. Other potential cause can be vitamin A deficiency (or overdose). If her eye appears "droopy", it may be a symptom f kidney disease. A pending shed may affect the eyes. Have her examined by your herp vet to determine cause and for treatment if necessary. In the meantime, you can try rinsing the eye with plain saline to rinse out any substrate or foreign body.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 23rd, 2019
Swollen eyes can be signs of shedding, an overdose of Vitamin A (Hypervitaminosis A) , parasites, or an eye infection as you have stated. There is no way for me to tell which it is just by the photo. I suggest you review your husbandry and make sure you are doing everything 100% correct: from diet and supplements to lighting and temperature. Almost every problem we see with beardies is a husbandry issue. If you cannot find any issues with your husbandry then you should get him to a vet for an exam. If you do find some problems, correct them immediately and continue to monitor him; if no improvement then get him to a vet for an exam.

( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Bearded-Dragon/ )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 22nd, 2018
That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to an allergy or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well (even if a bilateral injury is unlikely).
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 2nd, 2019
Intestinal parasites can cause this. If she has not had a fecal test and deworming then I would do that. She may have been born with a congenital eye issue. It could be cataracts. I can't tell because she does not have her eyes open in the photos. Intestinal parasites would be my first thought. I suggest you get her to a reptile vet for an exam.

If you don't already have a vet you work with, I found this one in your area:

( https://svg-vets.com/well-pet-medical-services/ )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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