Remedies for an Eye Infection in a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are lizards native to Australia that can live for up to 15 years as pets. They can contract eye infections from a number of sources, so always take your bearded dragon to the veterinarian if you notice swelling, oozing, or crusting in its eye. There are a few common causes of eye infections in bearded dragons that you may be able to cure at home as well.

  1. Vitamin A Deficiency

    • Bearded dragons are omnivores, so they eat insects like crickets and also leafy, green vegetables. Sometimes these lizards suffer from a deficiency in Vitamin A in their diets; if this is the case, an eye infection can result. This infection is called Hypovitaminosis A, and can be cured with injections and injestion of vitamin A. Go to a veterinarian to get the injections, and feed your bearded dragon foods high in Vitamin A (such as carrots, corn, and peas) to repair the damage. Maintain this regimen for approximately one month, and after that you should continue to provide Vitamin A-rich foods as part of the lizard's normal diet.

    Substrate Problems

    • Substrate is the material you put in the bottom of the bearded dragon's aquarium. Opinions vary on this topic, but many owners may choose to give their bearded dragon sand or shavings as a floor cover. Both of these items can fly into the bearded dragon's eye and irritate it, causing an infection. Switch to a cage carpet, astro turf, or tile to avoid these problems.

    Eye Drops

    • Your veterinarian can prescribe eye drops or recommend a particular brand of artificial tears to cure your bearded dragon's eye infection. This remedy is particularly useful in combination with an effort to remove the source of the problem (such as the substrate or the poor diet).