Eye conditions in snakes

Snakes have poor eyesight compared to other reptiles, although they still see color and ultraviolet light.

Snake eyelids are quite different from ours. If you look at your own eye you will see that you have a big upper eyelid which comes down to cover your eye when you blink, and a much smaller lower eyelid. Snakes do not have eyelids!

The colored circle in your eye is called the iris; this determines whether the eyes are green, blue or brown. The pupil is in the centre of the iris; the pupil will be black and round and can become bigger or smaller depending on the amount of light in the environment. Snakes have round or slit-like pupils depending on whether they are a species that is awake during the day (diurnal) or night (nocturnal), and often the iris is the same color as the pattern of their skin. The iris appears as slits when they are awake at night (nocturnal), and day time(diurnal) snakes tend to have a round pupil.

Snakes have tiny bones in the white part of their eyes called scleral ossicles; these help to strengthen the eyeball.

Snakes are also unique as the outer eyelids have fused and become transparent. When the skin covers the eye, this is called the spectacle.

Any trauma to your snake’s eye could cause serious damage. This could happen in any number of ways, for example bedding caught in the eye or a scratch caused by a sharp object. An ulcer may form on the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer of the eye. Ulcers are very painful and in severe cases the eye could burst. If you see any abnormalities in the eye you must allow a veterinarian to examine your snake's eyes.

To prevent eye trauma you should check your snake’s house and furniture carefully for any sharp objects. Remember to take extra care when handling your snake outside of his house. Cage mates can also inflict serious damage if they fight.

If you suspect your snake has suffered trauma to his eye seek veterinary attention immediately so appropriate treatment can be provided. Eye damage is an emergency and if not treated in time your snake may lose his eye.

Snakes shed the surface of the eye when they shed their skin. If the spectacle is retained it can lead to blindness and difficulty when feeding.

To prevent this, ensure your snake’s house is maintained at the correct humidity and temperature to make sure he can shed his skin. The temperature and humidity levels are dependent on your species of snake. If it is too humid the skill will ulcerate and too dry makes it difficult for the skin to shed normally.

Your snake should also have plenty of furniture in his house because they like to rub against the furniture to help remove the skin. To help aid your snake shedding you can provide rolled up damp towels for your snake to rub against; these provide an adhesive but gentle surface to aid shedding.

If you think your snake has retained spectacles take him to the veterinarian for appropriate treatment which may include surgical removal.

Snakes can also suffer from fluid behind the spectacle; this is a condition seen in young snakes where the normal fluid does not drain away; it can also be caused by infections in adult snakes.

You must take your snake to the veterinarian if he has this condition for appropriate treatment.

Yes!

As snakes age, the lens changes and becomes white this stops the snake from seeing and may cause problems with feeding. The use of other senses may help with feeding your snake these include heating up the prey,  so your snake can use other senses to help find its prey.

There is no specific treatment for cataracts, but an operation to remove them is possible in larger snakes.

As mentioned above, snakes do not have eyelids, which means ticks and mites can live in the spectacle where they can cause a lot of irritation.

The best course of action is a visit to your veterinarian; removal of insects from the spectacle can be difficult so it is best done by your veterinarian.