Bearded dragons may close one eye to focus on objects or due to eye irritation, improper lighting, or dehydration. Monitoring enclosure conditions and addressing potential irritants can help prevent this behaviour. If symptoms persist, consult a vet to rule out infections.
Let’s explore the possible reasons behind this curious habit.
Top 10 Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Close Only One Eye
1. Disease or Infection
Infections in the eye or surrounding area can cause pain and irritation, making your bearded dragon close one eye to protect it. Bacterial or viral infections may lead to redness, swelling, or discharge.
If you notice any of these signs, taking your bearded dragon to the vet for treatment is crucial, as untreated infections can worsen and affect their overall health.
2. Responding to Stimuli
Bearded dragons often close one eye when focusing on something specific, like prey or objects in their environment. This behaviour helps them concentrate better.
It’s a natural reaction and doesn’t usually indicate a problem. However, if it happens frequently or alongside other unusual behaviours, it’s worth checking if something is irritating their eye or causing discomfort.
3. Dehydration
When a bearded dragon is dehydrated, they might close one eye as a sign of discomfort. Dehydration can make their eyes appear sunken and cause them to act lethargic.
Ensuring your bearded dragon has access to fresh water, a balanced diet, and proper humidity levels can prevent dehydration. If dehydration is severe, seek veterinary care to restore hydration and health.
4. Parasites
Parasites like mites or ticks can invade your bearded dragon’s eye area, leading to irritation and discomfort. These tiny pests can cause them to close one eye to shield it from further irritation.
Regular enclosure cleaning and closely observing your dragon’s skin can help prevent parasites. If you suspect parasites, prompt treatment from a vet is essential to stop further damage.
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5. Insufficient Lighting
Improper lighting in your bearded dragon’s enclosure, remarkably UVB light, can strain their eyes. If the light is too bright or dim, it may cause your dragon to close one eye as a protective measure.
Ensure the lighting is appropriate for your dragon’s needs by providing the correct UVB levels and ensuring the basking light is manageable and robust.
6. Objects in the Eye
Sometimes, bearded dragons can get small objects like dirt, sand, or bits of substrate stuck in their eyes. This irritates them and causes them to close their eyes.
If this happens, you can gently flush the eye with reptile-safe saline. If the object doesn’t come out or your dragon’s eye remains closed, visiting a vet is the best option to avoid further irritation or infection.
7. Basking
Bearded dragons love basking under warm lights, and they may close one eye to shield it from the intensity of the light.
While basking, they commonly relax and close their eyes to reduce the light’s brightness. Ensure the basking light isn’t too strong or placed too close, as too much heat or sunlight can cause discomfort for your dragon.
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8. Low Humidity
When the humidity in your bearded dragon’s enclosure is too low, it can dry out their eyes, causing them to close one eye for relief.
Maintaining proper humidity levels between 30% and 40% helps keep their eyes and skin healthy. Low humidity can also affect shedding and overall comfort, so monitor humidity regularly using a hygrometer to ensure it stays within the recommended range.
9. Stuck Shed
Bearded dragons shed their skin regularly, but sometimes, the skin around their eyes doesn’t come off quickly. This stuck shed can irritate their eyes, leading them to close them.
Providing your dragon a warm bath or misting their enclosure can help loosen the shed and prevent discomfort. Be gentle when assisting with stuck sheds to avoid harming your dragon’s sensitive skin and eyes.
10. It Could Be Scared
Bearded dragons might close one eye if they feel threatened or scared. For example, if you’re touching them near their face, they may close one eye to protect themselves.
This behaviour is usually a natural response to fear or stress. Give your dragon time to adjust to handling and avoid sudden movements near their face to help them feel safe and secure.
How to Address a Bearded Dragon’s Eye Problem
1. Clean the Enclosure Regularly
Keeping your bearded dragon’s enclosure clean helps prevent eye problems caused by dirt, debris, and parasites. Regularly remove uneaten food, waste, and any loose objects that could irritate their eyes.
Cleaning the enclosure regularly keeps your dragon’s environment safe and healthy, reducing the risk of eye infections and other health issues. Use reptile-safe disinfectants to ensure a thorough, safe clean.
2. Set the Enclosure to Correct Conditions
Ensure your bearded dragon’s enclosure has the right lighting, temperature, and humidity. Proper UVB light and basking temperatures help your dragon stay healthy, while correct humidity levels (30-40%) prevent eye dryness.
Regularly check your setup with thermometers and hygrometers to ensure optimal conditions. This helps avoid eye issues caused by insufficient lighting or poor environmental control.
3. Inform Your Vet
Consult a vet if your bearded dragon’s eye problem persists or worsens. Eye infections, severe dehydration, or parasites need professional attention.
A reptile vet can diagnose the issue and provide appropriate treatments like eye drops or antibiotics. Quick action helps prevent further complications, ensuring your bearded dragon’s eye health and overall well-being.
4. Pet Carefully
Handle your bearded dragon gently, especially near their head and eyes. Bearded dragons may close their eyes if they feel scared or stressed during petting.
To prevent this, move slowly and avoid touching their face too much. Always make your dragon feel safe and comfortable during handling to reduce the chances of eye irritation or accidental injury.
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Closes One Eye When I Pet Him
Your bearded dragon may close one eye when you pet him because he feels cautious or protects that eye. It’s a natural defence mechanism to avoid potential harm, especially if your hand gets too close to his face or eyes.
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Why Does My Bearded Dragon Closing One Eye All
If your bearded dragon closes one eye all day, it could be due to irritation, dehydration, or an eye infection. Check for signs of swelling or debris and ensure the enclosure’s lighting and humidity are correct.
Bearded Dragon One Eye Open One Eye Closed
When your bearded dragon has one eye open and the other closed, it could be focusing on something, protecting one eye from irritation, or responding to a minor issue like debris. Monitor closely and address any environmental concerns, like lighting or cleanliness.
Bearded Dragon Closing One Eye While Basking
A bearded dragon may close one eye while basking to protect it from strong UVB or heat exposure. Ensure your lighting setup is appropriate for your dragon’s enclosure to prevent discomfort or harm while basking.
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Stare At Me
Bearded dragons may stare at you out of curiosity or interest. They are alert, aware of their surroundings, and may observe you to understand your movements. It’s a sign of their attentiveness and nothing to worry about.
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Close His Eyes When I Try To Feed Him
If your bearded dragon closes his eyes when you try to feed him, he might focus or be cautious about your hand. Ensure your hand movements are slow and gentle so your dragon feels safe during feeding.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Closing His Eyes
Your bearded dragon might close his eyes due to tiredness, irritation, or environmental issues like improper lighting or humidity. It’s essential to check for any signs of infection or stress and adjust the enclosure conditions accordingly. Consult a vet if needed.
Why Is My Beardie Closing Only One Eye?
Your beardie might be closing one eye due to irritation, debris, or a minor injury. It could also be focusing on something. Check the enclosure for any hazards and ensure proper lighting and humidity.
My Bearded Dragon Keeps Closing One Eye. Is It Ok?
If your bearded dragon keeps closing one eye, it’s usually due to environmental issues, like lighting or dryness. Monitor their behaviour and enclosure conditions. A vet visit may be necessary if it continues or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Closing Of One Eye – The Trust Game?
Closing one eye could be your bearded dragon’s way of showing trust or protecting itself. When they feel safe but cautious, they may close one eye to reduce discomfort or remain alert. Handle them gently to build trust.
One Eye Shut?
A bearded dragon may shut one eye due to irritation or environmental factors like dust or intense light. Ensure the enclosure is clean and the lighting is appropriate. If the problem persists, consult a vet to rule out any serious issues.
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One Eye Closed
When a bearded dragon closes one eye, it could be protecting it from irritants, focusing, or responding to environmental issues. Check the enclosure for potential problems, like debris or improper lighting. If this behaviour continues, seek advice from a reptile vet.
Squinting One Eye
Squinting in one eye can indicate that your bearded dragon is dealing with irritation or debris. Ensure that their environment is clean and that lighting is not too harsh. If the squinting persists, it might be time to visit a vet.
My Bearded Dragon Is Keeping Only One Eye Closed
If your bearded dragon keeps one eye closed, it could be due to a minor issue like dust, dehydration, or a mild injury. Double-check the enclosure setup and cleanliness. If the behaviour continues, it’s best to consult a vet for a check-up.
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FAQs
1. Do Bearded Dragons Sleep With One Eye Open?
Yes, bearded dragons sometimes sleep with one eye open, especially when feeling cautious or alert to their surroundings.
2. What’s Wrong With My Bearded Dragon’s Eye?
Your bearded dragon’s eye might be irritated, infected, or dealing with debris. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms continue.
3. What Does A Calcium Deficiency In A Bearded Dragon Look Like?
Calcium deficiency causes weak bones, twitching, lethargy, and deformities in bearded dragons. Ensure proper diet and UVB exposure.
4. How Do I Know If My Bearded Dragon Is Dying?
Signs include extreme lethargy, loss of appetite, unresponsiveness, and laboured breathing. Consult a vet immediately for help.
5. What Are Signs Of Affection From Bearded Dragon?
Signs include head bobbing, calmness during handling, and resting near you. They show affection subtly by relaxing around you.
6. How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live?
Bearded dragons live 10 to 15 years in captivity with proper care, diet, and environmental management.
7. My Bearded Dragon Keeps Closing One Eye. I Have Been Misting To Make Sure He Is Not Dehydrated. His Appetite Is Very
Dehydration, irritation, or a minor issue could be causing this. Continue monitoring; consult a vet if behaviour worsens.
8. My Bearded Dragon Has Been Keeping One Eye Closed. He Is Probably 8 To 9 Inches Head To Tail. He Has Been Eating Collard
Check for environmental irritants and proper lighting. If the behaviour persists despite eating well, consult a reptile vet.
9. How Do I Know If My Bearded Dragon Is Closing Her Eyes Because She’s Falling Asleep Or She’s Uncomfortable?
If relaxed, she’s sleeping. If agitated or fidgety, she might be uncomfortable due to lighting or irritation.
10. Does Anyone Else’s Dragon Like To Close The Eye Closest To You But Keep The Other One Open? Not Sure What That Means… This Is Notorious Nugget By The Way!
Yes, it’s common. Bearded dragons may close one eye out of caution or focus on their surroundings for safety.
Conclusion
Understanding why your bearded dragon closes one eye involves checking for potential irritants, environmental issues, or health concerns. To keep your dragon healthy and comfortable, ensure proper care, monitor its behaviour, and consult a vet if the issue persists.
