Why Is My Gecko Closing Its Eyes During The Day Health Red Flags

Geckos are naturally crepuscular or nocturnal, meaning they're most active during twilight hours or at night. If you notice your gecko frequently closing its eyes during daylight hours—especially when it’s not sleeping—it may signal an underlying health concern. While occasional eye closure can be normal, persistent behavior warrants attention. Understanding the reasons behind this action and recognizing associated warning signs can help you act quickly to protect your pet’s well-being.

Unlike mammals, reptiles don’t always display obvious symptoms of illness until conditions become severe. Eye-related behaviors, such as prolonged blinking, squinting, or keeping one or both eyes shut, often serve as early indicators of stress, infection, or environmental imbalance. This article explores the physiological, environmental, and pathological causes behind daytime eye closure in geckos and outlines actionable steps to assess and improve their health.

Normal vs. Abnormal Eye Behavior in Geckos

Healthy geckos typically keep their eyes open when awake and alert. They have excellent vision adapted for low-light conditions and rely on visual cues for hunting and navigation. However, geckos do blink occasionally using a transparent spectacle (a fused eyelid) or clean their eyes with their tongues. Brief moments of eye closure while resting in shaded areas are acceptable, especially if the animal remains responsive and resumes normal activity shortly after.

Abnormal eye closure involves one or both eyes being shut for extended periods—particularly during typical waking hours—and may be accompanied by swelling, discharge, or reluctance to open the eyes even when stimulated. This behavior is not typical and should prompt closer inspection.

Tip: Gently tap the enclosure near your gecko or offer food to test responsiveness. A healthy gecko will usually react; lack of response may indicate discomfort or illness.

Common Causes of Daytime Eye Closure

Several interrelated factors can lead to a gecko keeping its eyes closed during the day. These range from husbandry issues to infections and systemic disease.

1. Improper Lighting and UV Exposure

Although many gecko species, like leopard geckos, were once thought to require no UVB light, recent research shows that moderate UVB exposure supports vitamin D3 synthesis and overall metabolic health. Inadequate lighting can contribute to lethargy and poor calcium absorption, indirectly affecting neurological and muscular function—including eye control.

Excessively bright lights without adequate hiding spots can also cause photophobia (light sensitivity), prompting geckos to close their eyes to avoid discomfort.

2. Dehydration

Dehydrated geckos often exhibit sunken eyes, which may remain partially or fully closed due to reduced fluid pressure behind the eyeball. Other signs include dry, wrinkled skin, loss of skin elasticity, and infrequent defecation.

Leopard geckos absorb moisture through their vent and skin, so insufficient humidity or lack of access to a moist hide can lead to chronic dehydration.

3. Eye Infections (Conjunctivitis or Septic Ophthalmia)

Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections can inflame the ocular tissues, causing pain and swelling. Common sources include unclean substrates, contaminated water bowls, or injuries from sharp decor.

Infections often present with mucus-like discharge, crusting around the eye, bulging, or cloudiness. Left untreated, they can progress to corneal ulcers or even blindness.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies (Hypovitaminosis A)

Vitamin A deficiency is a leading nutritional disorder in captive geckos. It impairs epithelial tissue integrity, including the lining of the eyes and respiratory tract. Affected animals may develop “sticky eye,” where the eyelids adhere together due to abnormal secretions.

This condition is particularly common in geckos fed only crickets without proper gut-loading or supplementation.

5. Impaction or Systemic Illness

While seemingly unrelated, internal blockages or organ dysfunction can manifest as generalized weakness and lethargy. A gecko suffering from gastrointestinal impaction may appear sluggish, refuse food, and sit with its eyes closed for long stretches.

Metabolic bone disease (MBD), respiratory infections, or parasitic loads can similarly depress activity levels and alter normal behavior patterns.

Health Red Flags to Monitor Alongside Eye Closure

Eye closure alone isn't diagnostic, but when paired with other symptoms, it becomes a significant warning sign. Below is a checklist of concurrent indicators that demand immediate attention.

• Persistent lethargy or lack of movement
• Loss of appetite lasting more than 2–3 days
• Swollen, cloudy, or discolored eyes
• Discharge (white, yellow, or greenish)
• Sunken eyes or noticeable weight loss
• Difficulty shedding, especially around the eyes
• Labored breathing or gaping mouth
• Abnormal posture (e.g., splayed limbs, inability to right itself)

“Eye abnormalities in reptiles are rarely isolated. They often reflect deeper issues related to nutrition, hydration, or environment.” — Dr. Rebecca Norton, Exotic Animal Veterinarian

Step-by-Step Guide to Assessing and Responding to Eye Closure

If you observe your gecko closing its eyes during the day, follow this structured approach to determine the severity and appropriate response.

1. Observe Activity Level: Note whether the gecko moves normally, responds to stimuli, and attempts to feed. Record observations over 24 hours.
2. Check Environmental Parameters: Use reliable thermometers and hygrometers to verify:
   • Basking spot temperature: 88–92°F (31–33°C)
   • Cool side: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
   • Humidity: 30–40% baseline, 60–80% in moist hide
   • UVB lighting (if applicable): 2–5% output, replaced every 6 months
3. Inspect the Eyes Closely: Look for swelling, discharge, retained shed, or foreign material. Do not touch the eye directly.
4. Evaluate Hydration: Gently pinch the skin along the back. It should snap back immediately. Delayed return indicates dehydration.
5. Review Diet History: Confirm frequency of vitamin and mineral supplementation. Are feeder insects properly gut-loaded?
6. Isolate and Stabilize: If illness is suspected, move the gecko to a quiet, warm quarantine tank with paper towel substrate, fresh water, and a humid hide.
7. Seek Veterinary Care: Schedule an appointment with a qualified reptile veterinarian within 48 hours if symptoms persist or worsen.

Tip: Prepare notes on temperature logs, feeding schedule, and symptom onset before visiting the vet—this helps streamline diagnosis.

Do’s and Don’ts When Addressing Eye Issues

Do’s	Don’ts
Provide a humid hide lined with moist sphagnum moss	Use human eye drops or ointments unless directed by a vet
Maintain consistent thermal gradients	Handle the gecko excessively when it appears ill
Supplement diet with calcium + D3 and multivitamins weekly	Release expired UVB bulbs—output degrades over time
Keep enclosure clean and free of mold or waste buildup	Administer antibiotics or vitamins orally without professional guidance
Monitor for complete sheds every 1–2 weeks	Assume mild symptoms will resolve on their own

Mini Case Study: Leo the Leopard Gecko

Leo, a two-year-old male leopard gecko, began closing his right eye regularly during evening activity periods. His owner initially dismissed it as fatigue, but over the next week, Leo stopped eating, developed a slight swell beneath the eye, and started spending most of his time buried in the cool hide.

Upon review, the owner realized the moist hide had dried out and hadn’t been rehydrated in over ten days. The ambient humidity was below 30%, and the calcium supplement hadn’t been used in two months. A visit to the exotic vet revealed early-stage hypovitaminosis A and minor ocular irritation from incomplete shedding.

After receiving a vitamin A injection, being placed on a strict supplementation schedule, and having his habitat corrected with a functional humid hide, Leo reopened his eye within 72 hours and resumed feeding within five days. This case highlights how multiple subtle husbandry lapses can compound into visible health problems.

Preventive Checklist for Long-Term Eye and Overall Health

Prevention is far more effective than treatment when it comes to reptile care. Use this checklist weekly to minimize risks:

• ✅ Check all temperatures and humidity levels daily
• ✅ Re-moisten the humid hide 2–3 times per week
• ✅ Rotate vitamin supplements according to species needs (e.g., calcium every other feeding, multivitamin once weekly)
• ✅ Inspect eyes and skin during handling for any irregularities
• ✅ Clean water bowl and replace water daily
• ✅ Replace UVB bulb every 6 months, even if still glowing
• ✅ Provide varied diet (crickets, roaches, mealworms, silkworms) with diverse gut-loading foods
• ✅ Schedule annual wellness exams with a reptile-savvy veterinarian

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use saline solution to clean my gecko’s eye?

Yes, sterile reptile-safe saline can be used gently around the eye area to remove debris or dried discharge. Avoid direct contact with the cornea unless instructed by a vet. Never use homemade saltwater solutions, as improper concentration can damage delicate tissues.

Is it normal for geckos to sleep with their eyes open?

No, geckos cannot sleep with their eyes open. Unlike some reptiles with translucent eyelids, most common pet geckos (like leopard and crested geckos) close their eyes when resting. Persistent eye closure while appearing awake is abnormal and concerning.

How long can a gecko go with a closed eye before it's an emergency?

If the eye remains shut for more than 24–48 hours—especially with other symptoms like appetite loss or swelling—it should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Delaying care increases the risk of permanent damage or systemic infection.

Conclusion: Act Early, Protect Your Pet’s Future

A gecko closing its eyes during the day is more than a quirky habit—it’s a potential distress signal. By understanding the underlying causes, monitoring for additional symptoms, and maintaining optimal husbandry practices, you can catch problems early and prevent serious complications. Remember, reptiles excel at masking pain, so subtle changes in behavior deserve your full attention.

Your gecko depends entirely on you for its environment, nutrition, and medical care. Taking proactive steps today ensures a longer, healthier life for your scaly companion. If in doubt, always consult a qualified exotic animal veterinarian. Your vigilance could make all the difference.

💬 Have you noticed unusual eye behavior in your gecko? Share your experience or questions below—your story might help another keeper recognize a problem early.