Why Does My Gecko Lick Its Eyes And Is It A Sign Of Illness

Geckos are fascinating reptiles known for their quiet demeanor, unique appearance, and curious behaviors. One such behavior that often puzzles owners is eye licking—when a gecko uses its long, sticky tongue to swipe across one or both eyes. While this may seem unusual, it’s actually a natural and common action in many gecko species. However, the frequency and context of this behavior can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Understanding why geckos lick their eyes—and when it might signal a problem—is essential for responsible pet ownership.

This article explores the biological reasons behind eye licking, distinguishes between normal and concerning patterns, and provides actionable guidance for maintaining your gecko’s ocular and overall health.

The Biology Behind Eye Licking in Geckos

Unlike mammals, most geckos lack movable eyelids. Instead, they have a transparent scale called a *brille* or spectacle that covers and protects each eye. This fused layer shields the eye from dust, debris, and injury but also prevents blinking. Without the ability to blink, geckos cannot naturally moisten or clean their eyes through conventional means.

To compensate, geckos use their tongues to physically wipe away particles, redistribute moisture, and maintain clear vision. The tongue acts like a built-in cleaning tool, reaching over the snout and across the eye surface. This behavior is especially common after shedding, during feeding, or when the environment has airborne substrate particles.

In species like the leopard gecko (*Eublepharis macularius*), which do have eyelids, eye licking still occurs frequently. These geckos can close their eyes, but they still rely on tongue-swiping to remove buildup, particularly during or after shedding cycles.

“Geckos evolved tongue-based eye cleaning as an adaptation to life without traditional blinking mechanisms. It's not just functional—it's necessary for survival in dusty or arid environments.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Herpetologist & Reptile Health Researcher

Normal vs. Abnormal Eye Licking: How to Tell the Difference

Occasional eye licking is perfectly normal. But how can you tell if it’s crossing into problematic territory? The key lies in observing frequency, accompanying symptoms, and behavioral changes.

Below is a comparison table outlining typical characteristics of healthy versus potentially concerning eye-licking behavior:

Factor	Normal Behavior	Abnormal/Concerning Signs
Frequency	Occasional, brief swipes (once every few hours)	Frequent, repeated licking (every few minutes)
Eye Appearance	Clear, bright, no discharge	Cloudy, swollen, crusty, or with mucus
Associated Actions	After shedding, eating, or exploring	Rubbing face on surfaces, refusing food, lethargy
Tongue Use	Smooth, coordinated motion	Straining, incomplete reach, drooping jaw
Shedding Pattern	Complete shed, including eye caps	Retained eye caps or patchy shedding

If your gecko is persistently licking its eyes and showing any of the red flags listed under “Abnormal” signs, further investigation is warranted.

Tip: Observe your gecko during active hours with a flashlight to check for retained eye caps or swelling. Do not attempt to remove stuck shed manually without proper guidance.

Common Causes of Excessive Eye Licking

While routine eye maintenance explains most licking, excessive or obsessive behavior may stem from several specific causes:

• Retained eye caps: During shedding, the brille should come off intact. If it doesn’t, the gecko may repeatedly lick at the area trying to dislodge it. Left untreated, this can lead to infection or corneal damage.
• Dry enclosure: Low humidity impedes shedding and dries out the spectacles, prompting more frequent licking to rehydrate the eyes.
• Substrate irritation: Fine particulates like sand or calcium powder can become airborne and irritate the eyes, triggering cleaning attempts.
• Ocular infections: Bacterial or fungal infections cause discomfort, discharge, and inflammation, leading to increased attention to the eyes.
• Vitamin A deficiency: Hypovitaminosis A affects epithelial tissues, including those around the eyes, resulting in swelling and poor shedding.
• Nerve damage or injury: Trauma or metabolic bone disease can impair coordination, making it harder for the gecko to properly clean its eyes, leading to repetitive attempts.

Case Study: Resolving Chronic Eye Licking in a Leopard Gecko

Mark, a first-time gecko owner, noticed his 18-month-old leopard gecko, Leo, was constantly licking his right eye. At first, he assumed it was normal grooming. But over two weeks, Leo became less active, stopped hunting live crickets, and began rubbing his face against the tank walls.

Upon closer inspection using a magnifying lamp, Mark spotted a thin, grayish film over Leo’s right eye—evidence of a retained eye cap. He consulted a local reptile veterinarian, who confirmed the diagnosis and advised a course of humid hide therapy combined with oral vitamin A supplementation.

Within ten days of daily soaks and improved nutrition, Leo shed the old cap naturally. His eye licking returned to normal levels, appetite resumed, and activity increased. The vet emphasized that early intervention prevented potential ulceration or vision loss.

This case highlights how timely observation and professional consultation can resolve what might otherwise escalate into serious health complications.

Step-by-Step Guide to Addressing Problematic Eye Licking

If you suspect your gecko’s eye licking goes beyond routine hygiene, follow this structured approach to assess and address the issue:

1. Observe and document: Note how often the licking occurs, whether it’s focused on one or both eyes, and any associated behaviors (rubbing, hiding, reduced appetite).
2. Inspect the eyes closely: Use a small flashlight to examine for cloudiness, swelling, discharge, or visible shed remnants.
3. Check environmental conditions: Measure temperature and humidity levels. Ensure the warm side is 88–90°F (31–32°C) and humidity stays between 30–40%, rising to 60–70% during shedding.
4. Review substrate choice: Replace loose, dusty substrates (e.g., sand, crushed walnut) with safer options like paper towels, tile, or reptile carpet.
5. Provide a humid hide: Create a moist retreat using a small container filled with damp sphagnum moss. Place it on the warm side of the enclosure.
6. Administer hydration soaks: For suspected retained shed, give lukewarm shallow water soaks for 15–20 minutes daily until the issue resolves.
7. Evaluate diet: Confirm your gecko receives gut-loaded insects dusted with calcium and multivitamins, including vitamin A, at least once weekly.
8. Consult a veterinarian: If symptoms persist beyond 7–10 days or worsen, seek help from a qualified exotic animal vet.

This methodical process helps differentiate between minor irritations and medical emergencies, ensuring appropriate care without unnecessary stress to your pet.

Preventive Care Checklist for Healthy Eyes

Maintaining optimal eye health starts with consistent husbandry. Use the following checklist to minimize risks and support natural behaviors:

• ✅ Maintain proper humidity levels (especially during shedding)
• ✅ Offer a humid hide at all times
• ✅ Feed a balanced diet with regular vitamin supplementation
• ✅ Avoid dusty or abrasive substrates
• ✅ Clean the enclosure weekly to reduce bacterial load
• ✅ Monitor shedding cycles and intervene early if needed
• ✅ Schedule annual wellness exams with a reptile-savvy vet
• ✅ Provide fresh water daily in a stable bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my gecko to lick its eyes after eating?

Yes, it’s very common. Feeding stirs activity and can kick up substrate or leave residue near the eyes. Many geckos instinctively clean their eyes post-meal as part of their grooming routine.

Can I remove a retained eye cap myself?

It’s strongly advised against unless you’re trained. Attempting removal with tweezers or picks can scratch the cornea or force infection deeper. Instead, increase humidity and consult a veterinarian for safe treatment options.

Do all gecko species lick their eyes?

Most do, though the frequency varies. Nocturnal, lidless geckos (like crested or tokay geckos) rely heavily on tongue-cleaning. Even species with eyelids, such as leopard geckos, perform this behavior regularly as part of ocular maintenance.

Conclusion: Know Your Gecko’s Normal

Eye licking in geckos is a natural, adaptive behavior rooted in their unique anatomy. When performed occasionally and without distress, it’s nothing to worry about. But when it becomes compulsive or coincides with physical symptoms, it serves as an early warning system for potential health problems.

By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and monitoring your gecko’s habits closely, you can ensure prompt responses to emerging issues. Good husbandry—not panic—is the best defense against illness. Keep records, maintain ideal conditions, and build a relationship with a trusted reptile veterinarian.

🚀 Take action today: Watch your gecko during active hours, check humidity levels, and review your current care setup. Small adjustments now can prevent bigger problems later. Share your experiences or questions in the comments to connect with fellow gecko enthusiasts!