Cloudy Eyes in Snakes: Causes, Shedding, and Treatment Tips Explored (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Discovering your snake’s eyes cloudy can be alarming, yet it’s a common issue tied to various causes like shedding, eye infections, dehydration, and environmental irritants. Understanding these triggers empowers you to provide optimal care.

This article delves into the shedding process, the role of humidity, proper handling during shedding, post-shedding checks, and addressing eye infections.

Equip yourself with essential tips and preventive measures to ensure your snake’s health and well-being

Causes of Cloudy Eyes in Snakes

The cloudy eyes in snakes may be due to the normal process of shedding, eye infection, dehydration, or even some environmental irritants. Knowing what’s caused it’s pretty essential, as it will lead to the correct care and treatment for the health and welfare of your snake.

Shedding Process

During shedding, your snake’s skin dulls, and it seeks humid hiding spots. You’ll notice decreased activity and reduced appetite. The process takes about 10 days, starting with cloudy eyes. Eye caps are shed with the skin. Snakes may rub against objects to aid shedding. Always check for retained shed to prevent ball python eye anatomy issues

Eye Infections

While shedding can cause temporary cloudiness, persistent eye issues may indicate an infection. Eye problems in snakes can stem from various factors:

• Bacterial infections, often due to poor hygiene
• Mites, which can irritate and damage eyes
• Environmental factors like low humidity or irritants

These conditions can lead to corneal lesions, keratitis, or conjunctivitis. You’ll need to address underlying causes such as malnutrition or dehydration to prevent recurring issues. Recognizing common ball python eye conditions early can help you maintain your snake’s ocular health

Dehydration

Dehydration can lead to cloudy eyes in snakes. You’ll notice your snake’s eyes becoming hazy and its skin losing elasticity. This condition often stems from inadequate humidity or water supply.

To treat it, boost enclosure humidity and provide fresh water. Mist the enclosure regularly and offer a larger water bowl

Environmental Irritants

Environmental irritants can cause cloudy eyes in your snake, potentially leading to discomfort and health issues. To protect your serpentine companion, you’ll need to be vigilant about:

• Identifying and removing potential irritants like dust, chemicals, or mites
• Preventing eye trauma through proper enclosure setup
• Mitigating risks by regularly cleaning and maintaining the habitat

The Shedding Process

When your snake’s eyes turn cloudy, it’s often a sign that shedding is about to begin. During this process, the eye caps will shed along with the rest of the skin, and you may notice your snake rubbing against objects to help remove the old layer

Cloudy Eyes as a Precursor to Shedding

Cloudy eyes are signs that your snake is about to shed. This process is vital for the development and good health of your serpent.

You should do everything possible to ensure appropriate levels of humidity and hydration. You might want to hold your snake, but forget about doing so.

Instead, work on creating the best environment for a proper shed with no retention of spectacles and prevention of possible uveitis

Eye Caps Shed With the Skin

During the shedding process, the eye caps of your snake come off with the rest of its skin. This needs to happen to ensure good eye health for your reptile. Here’s how to ensure success with shedding and avoid retained eye caps:

1. Humidity levels should be monitored frequently
2. Give a provision for a shedding box to make them comfortable.
3. Monitor for signs of eye cap infection
4. If it persists, consult a reptile veterinarian

Snakes May Rub Against Objects to Remove Shed

About to shed, your snake will start rubbing. They do this to rub on things in the enclosure to help get the shed off. It’s an instinctual behavior to begin the shedding process by loosening and eventually removing the older skin.

While it’s practical, be sure to provide habitat items appropriate to this type of rubbing to avoid skin tears. Add some rough surfaces, like branches or rocks, but beware of anything with sharp edges where your scaly amigo could hurt himself

Managing Humidity for Shedding

Keeping proper humidity during the time that your snake is going to shed is important, as this is when it tends to shed.

This may be achieved by lightly misting the enclosure with lukewarm water and moving the water bowl to the warm end of the vivarium.

Another idea is to use a damp hide and maintain ideal condensation levels so that your snake has a proper area for shedding

Mist Enclosure Lightly With Lukewarm Water

This means proper humidity should be ensured since your snake will want to shed its skin.

Mist the enclosure lightly with lukewarm water; this simulates nature and helps with the shedding process. You can do this nicely using a fine mist spray bottle while monitoring the humidity levels. Just don’t overdo it, as a light misting will suffice.

No mold should be present due to proper ventilation while keeping your scaly friend comfortable

Move Water Bowl to Warm End of Vivarium

Moving the water bowl in your snake to the warm end in the vivarium creates a gradient for humidity. This would help in perfect shedding and enable an increase in the general humidity while still maintaining temperature equilibrium. Here is why:

• Encourages natural drinking behavior

  • Increases evaporation, increasing the ambient humidity

  • Supports healthy thermoregulation

  • Facilitates the shedding process

Control the frequency of the mist and check the quality of the water often to minimize discomfort and health issues during this vulnerable period for your scaly friend.

Use a Damp Hide

In addition to a water bowl, you’ll offer your snake a damp hide. Specialized shelters that allow an area to be quite humid are crucial at times when the snake needs to shed.

Place it on the warm side of the enclosure with some moisture-retaining substrate, such as sphagnum moss. In this hide, controlled heat and appropriate ventilation—so there won’t be mold growth in it—are essential.

A damp hide provides an area where your snake can rest comfortably while shedding its skin for a smooth and complete shed

Maintain Ideal Condensation Levels

Knowing how to maintain ideal condensation will be critical, so you have to monitor the humidity. A digital hygrometer will help you receive an exact reading regarding the moisture. You want to ensure optimal evaporation so your snake is comfortable and healthy. You’ll need to pay close attention, then, to the water evaporating rate, changing it when appropriate. Here’s how you’re going to master controlling humidity:

• Mist enclosure walls strategically

  • Place the water dishes in warm areas

• Use a moist, retaining substrate
• Install a fogger for consistent humidity

Handling Snakes During Shedding

During shedding, it’s best to handle your snake as little as possible, as they’re more vulnerable and may refuse interaction. If you must handle them, be extra gentle and return them to their enclosure promptly, keeping in mind they mightn’t eat during this time

Minimize Handling

After humidity management, the next most critical factor in minimizing handling is when it’s time to shed. You don’t want to put any more stress on the snake than necessary by handling it too much, so here is a general guideline on handling frequency and its relation to shedding signs:

Shedding Stage	Handling Frequency	Signs of Stress
Pre-shed	Occasional	Hiding more
Active shed	Avoid	Restlessness
Post-shed	Normal	High activity
Between sheds	Regular	None typical
Anytime	As needed	Refusal to eat

Be Gentle Due to Vulnerability

When managing your snake during shedding, remember its increased vulnerability. Handle your scaly friend with extra care as its skin is tender and easily damaged. To guarantee the comfort and well-being for your snake:

1. Lift your snake with gentle, steady movements
2. Support its body evenly so that it isn’t strained
3. Time-limit the handling to minimize stress

Help with the shedding process if absolutely necessary, but don’t force it. Watch for signs of retained eye caps and give appropriate aftercare to ensure your snake’s well-being.

Snakes May Refuse Handling

During shedding, your snake may refuse handling. Respect its need for space and minimize stress.

If you must handle your snake, use gentle techniques and keep sessions brief.

Design the enclosure to provide secure hiding spots, reducing the need for interaction. Consider adjusting feeding strategies to accommodate this period.

If your snake’s behavior seems unusual, consult a veterinarian for expert advice on proper care during shedding

Snakes May Not Eat During Shedding

While your snake may refuse handling during shedding, you’ll also notice changes in its feeding schedule.

Don’t be alarmed if your serpentine companion skips meals during this time. It’s a natural response to the stress of shedding.

Keep an eye on weight changes and skin condition, but avoid force-feeding.

Once the process is complete, your snake’s activity levels and appetite should return to normal

Post-Shedding Observations

Following the completion of shedding, you’ll find several positive developments concerning the snake’s appearance and behavior: Its eyes are clear again; it has brighter, more vivid skin, and you’ll more than likely note an increase in activity levels. However, it’s essential to carefully examine the shed skin for anything retained, particularly any pieces around their eyes and tail.

Eyes Clear

After shedding, you’ll notice your snake’s eyes clear up, signaling the end of the process. This eye brightness is a key indicator that your serpentine friend has successfully shed. You’ll observe:

• Increased activity levels
• Return of appetite
• Enhanced visual acuity
• Improved overall demeanor

While it’s tempting to handle your snake immediately, exercise caution. Give your scaly companion time to adjust and regain strength before resuming normal interactions. Remember, shedding duration varies, so patience is key

Skin Brightens

After the eyes clear, you’ll observe a striking lightening of the skin. As your snake sheds, this provides an opportunity to show new color or increased brilliance of the skin, which may be unique to your particular snake.

Keep in mind that the frequency of shedding differs by species and age. Monitor for any retained shed to ensure your snake has their new coat fully and brilliantly

Increased Activity

After shedding, your snake will become much more active. This behavior after shedding is a great sign that the molt was successful.

Monitor the frequency and duration of shedding to understand your snake’s health. Keep the correct level of humidity—50-70% for most species—with the help of a hygrometer for its precise measurement.

Their renewed energy showcases their readiness to explore and probably feed again

Check for Retained Shed

After your snake sheds, you’ll need to check for any retained shed. Look closely at its tail, eyes, and body for stuck pieces.

Retained shed can cause serious issues if left untreated. Common causes include low humidity or poor nutrition. Symptoms include dull patches or constricted areas.

To prevent this, maintain proper humidity and offer a balanced diet.

If you spot retained shed, consult a vet for safe removal techniques

Eye Infections and Irritation

If you notice your snake’s eyes are cloudy and it’s showing signs of agitation or altered movement, it could be due to an eye infection, irritants, or low humidity. To address this, gently wipe the snake’s eyes with a damp cloth, increase the humidity in its enclosure, and thoroughly clean the habitat to remove any potential irritants

Symptoms: Cloudy Eyes, Agitation, Altered Movement

You’ll notice several telltale signs when your snake’s eyes are affected. Cloudiness is the most obvious symptom, but it’s not the only one.

Watch for increased agitation and altered movement patterns. These could indicate discomfort or impaired vision.

While cloudy eyes often signal shedding, they may also point to infections or irritants.

Recognizing these symptoms early can help you address potential issues promptly, ensuring your snake’s health and well-being

Possible Causes: Infections, Irritants, Low Humidity

Cloudy eyes in snakes result from so many different causes, all of which certainly need special attention. You’ll have to consider:

• Low humidity: Low moisture leading to dehydration.

Knowing these probable culprits gives you control over your snake’s health. Find out the root cause and you’re halfway to mastering snake care.

Immediate Care: Wipe Eyes, Increase Humidity, Clean Enclosure

When your snake’s eyes look cloudy, take action quickly. Gently wipe the eyes with a damp cloth to remove any debris. Boost humidity levels in the enclosure to assist with shedding and prevent retained spectacles. Clean the vivarium thoroughly to eliminate potential irritants. Here’s a quick guide:

Action	Method	Frequency
Wipe Eyes	Damp cloth	As needed
Increase Humidity	Mist enclosure	Daily
Clean Enclosure	Disinfect surfaces	Weekly
Monitor	Check eyes	Daily

Retained Spectacles (Eye Caps)

Retained spectacles, or eye caps, occur when the scales covering a snake’s eyes don’t shed properly. You’ll notice empty eye holes in the shed skin, cloudy eyes, and your snake may refuse food due to this condition, which can be caused by factors like low humidity, dehydration, or malnutrition

Definition: Scales Over Eyes That Do Not Shed

Cloudiness in a snake’s eyes can result from various causes.

Eye infections are one potential source of cloudiness. Another is retained spectacles, a condition where the snake’s protective eye scales don’t shed properly.

Proper humidity in the environment can prevent retained spectacles. Dehydration and malnutrition may also contribute to eye problems.

If you suspect retained spectacles, don’t attempt to remove them yourself. Treatment by a veterinarian is necessary to resolve this safely and maintain the ocular health of your snake

Symptoms: Empty Eye Holes, Cloudy Eyes, Refusal to Eat

When your snake’s eyes remain cloudy after shedding, it’s time to look closer. You’ll notice empty eye holes in the shed skin, a telltale sign of retained spectacles.

Your snake might refuse food and seem uneasy. Keep an eye out for eye swelling, irritation, or discharge, which could indicate more serious issues.

These symptoms can impact your snake’s vision and overall health, so don’t ignore them

Causes: Lack of Humidity, Dehydration, Malnutrition

If your snake’s eyes become cloudy, consider the deep roots. Dry conditions can cause retained eye caps, whereas dehydration and malnutrition weaken its system to shed properly. And then there’s also another possible cause: mites or bacteria that infest the eyes. These are more serious problems that often require treatment by a veterinarian. End

Treatment: Veterinary Removal, Soaking, Tape Removal

If one has retained spectacles, professional help is paramount. Veterinary removal is safest, especially if you’re an inexperienced owner.

Soaking your snake in warm water for a short time can help to loosen stubborn eye caps. Other methods include the tape removal technique, but it’s so delicate that it’s best left to experts.

Always remember that malnutrition and dehydration are typically contributory factors to shedding problems. Therefore, attending to environmental factors is key to preventing future issues

Preventive Measures

To keep your snake from developing cloudy eyes, you’ll want to be concerned with the right humidity level and cleanliness within the enclosure. Monitor the behavior of your snake consistently, feed it a balanced diet, and look out for problems to ensure your pet is healthy and the eyes are clear.

Maintain Proper Humidity

Keeping proper humidity is essential for preventing retained eye caps and promoting good, healthy shedding. In other words, you’ll need to observe and adjust the environment of your snake constantly. Here are three ways:

1. Observe the humidity using digital hygrometers.
2. Adjust Moisture Substrate, accordingly
3. Consider running a humidifier for greater control

Provide Clean Enclosure

Maintaining proper humidity isn’t enough; you’ve got to keep your snake’s home clean too. Regular cleaning prevents irritants that can cause eye issues. Here’s a handy guide for enclosure maintenance:

Task	Frequency	Tips
Spot clean	Daily	Remove waste and uneaten food
Deep clean	Monthly	Disinfect surfaces, replace substrate
Check humidity	Weekly	Adjust as needed for shedding

Use a shedding box and aids to support healthy shedding. If you notice retained shed, carefully remove it to prevent complications

Feed Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is essential for your snake’s good health. Provide proper, varied prey items to prevent deficiencies in nutrition. Make sure the diet is correct for both species and size by offering rodents or insects depending on what they’d eat in their natural environment. Proper feeding supports health, reduces shedding problems, and helps keep your snake full of energy.

Monitor Behavior Closely

Observe your snake’s behavior for potential problems. The enclosure must be looked after regularly. That’s to say, the activity mode at times is a little unusual. Treat them according to their behavior. Clean the enclosure to avoid irritants or infections. A watchful eye towards daily habits can make all the difference in keeping your snake healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)