Eye conditions in terrapins

Terrapins are thought to have excellent eyesight. Their eyelids are quite different to 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. In terrapins the lower eyelid is the one which is bigger and stronger; this is often transparent so that the terrapin can see under water with his eyes shut. Terrapins also have a third eyelid which acts as extra protection and sweeps across the surface of the eye to clean it when they blink.

The colored circle in the 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, round or elliptical and can become bigger or smaller depending on the amount of light in the environment.

Terrapins have elliptical pupils and they have tiny bones in the white part of their eyes called scleral ossicles. These help to give the eyeball extra strength.

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the eyelids and is often caused by a bacterial infection.

Conjunctivitis can be avoided by making sure your terrapin has a well-balanced diet. This  is vital to keep him healthy. Low temperatures in your terrapin’s house will reduce his ability to fight infection, so ensure this is kept at the optimum temperature for your terrapin.

If your terrapin has conjunctivitis you should take him to the veterinarian who will be able to treat him with antibiotics.

Hypovitaminosis A is caused by a diet lacking in vitamin A which can lead to swelling of the eyelids. Make sure you feed a balanced diet with enough vitamin A to prevent eye problems in your terrapin. However, it is also important not to give too much vitamin A as this can lead to liver damage.

If your terrapin is suffering from hypovitaminosis A he will need a visit to the veterinarian who may need to give him multivitamin treatment.

Any trauma to your terrapin’s eye could cause serious damage. This could happen in any number of ways. Examples would be, bedding caught in the eye or a scratch 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 terrapin’s eye.

To prevent eye trauma you should check your terrapin’s house and furniture carefully for any sharp objects. Remember when handling your terrapin outside of his house care should also be taken. Take care when selecting a UV light for your terrapin’s house; inferior lights can emit harmful rays which could burn his eyes.

If you suspect your terrapin 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 terrapin may lose his eye.

Congenital (birth) eye defects are seen in terrapins.

Microphthalmia is one condition where the eye(s) are abnormally small; if born like this the terrapin is unlikely to have any vision in the affected eye(s).

If your terrapin is suffering from microphthalmia it won’t be painful, but the eyesight will be affected, and you may notice your terrapin bumping into things. Over time, it is possible that the eye may become infected and may need veterinary treatment. You may also need to assist in feeding your terrapin if he struggles to see.