Turtles in general are not blind. However, of course that is not to say that there are not some turtles that are born blind or have become blind. Most of the time, one can tell if a turtle is blind or not if their eyes are shut all of the time. It seems to be unknown whether or not a turtle can be blind and still have its eyes open.
Turtles can become blind for a number of reasons. One reason is a deficiency in Vitamin A. Another reason could be that they were attacked but survived from a predator, or something of the like.
It is also quite common for turtles to suffer from two distinct eye problems. The first is swollen eyelids and the second is a bacterial eye infection.
Swollen eyes effectively render the turtle blind, which in turn makes it quite difficult for these little guys to feed themselves. As a result of this, they are at risk of starvation. Bacterial eye infections are developed on their own or together with swollen eyes and because the bacteria can move quickly and easily from the eye to the nasal passage, if left untreated an eye infection can quickly lead to a potentially fatal respiratory tract infection.
There are certain ways an individual can tell if their turtle is suffering from either of these problems. Some common symptoms found in turtles suffering from a swollen eye or eyes include:
- Swollen or puffy eyelids that seem larger than normal
- Reddening of the conjunctiva and orbital glands (the glands that secrete tears)
- The eyelids have become so swollen that the turtle can no longer open its eyes.
- Weeping (excess production of tears)
- Accumulation of detritus (dead cells) around the eye(s)
- Blockage of the nostrils. A sign of this may be that your turtle is having trouble locating food.
- Loss of appetite. Is no longer eating at all.
- Weight loss.
The following symptoms can occur on their own or in association with swollen eyes. Eye infections can also be linked to a respiratory tract infection. In any case symptoms may include:
- Watery eyes
- Puffy or swollen eyes
- Reddening of the conjunctiva and/or surrounding tissues
- The turtle exhibits frequent rubbing or scratching of its eyes
- Wheezing
- Loss of proper balance when swimming
- Excessive amounts of fluid being secreted from the mouth and/or nose.
Any turtle that is suffering from any of the above symptoms needs to be examined by a veterinarian immediately to confirm diagnosis and treat the problems. The veterinarian in this case will often examine the Harderian glands for signs of swelling. If this is found it is usually a good indication that there is a problem with Vitamin A deficiency, which is usually caused by poor diet. If this is the case, the veterinarian will usually give the turtle an immediate injection of Vitamin A in order to help stabilize the condition and then will provide you, the pet owner with advice on how you can improve their diet so that they will recover and you can keep this from happening again.
Sometimes turtles may get a bacterial infection or respiratory infection in their eyes from sand being trapped in their eye, or from being wounded. Veterinarians that are familiar with reptiles usually have no problem recognizing this and will consider the options during your turtle’s check up. Bacterial infections of the turtle’s eye can be confirmed by the vet by sampling some of the mucous around the eyes by using a swab. Once the precise infection is properly diagnosed, the vet will then usually prescribe suitable antibiotics such as administering an intramuscular injection.
If your turtle seems to be blind in one eye or is suffering from asymmetrical swelling of the eye (meaning that only one eye is swollen and the other is not) this usually indicates that it was caused by some kind of physical damage. Due to this damage, sometimes a secondary infection behind the eye has been known to cause the eye to bulge out. This type of infection required proper antibiotics and it is for this reason that a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. If left untreated, the infection will usually spread and can cause frequent blindness as well as result in the death of Mr. Turtle.
Owners who use chlorinated water in tanks may want to consider that this could be the reasoning behind your turtle’s eye troubles. Chlorinated water has often been found to irritate the eyes of many aquatic turtles which cause them to try wiping their eyes and usually results in scratching the types. All new water added to the tank should have the chlorine removed using a dechlorinator. These are often found sold in pet stores as many are often used inside fish tanks.
To prevent eye infections, swelling and blindness from occurring within your pet turtle it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to feed your turtle the proper diet and make sure that he or she is getting enough Vitamin A in their diet. It is also very important to make sure that they are kept in a clean tank that is free from lots of debris, etc. as these kinds of things can get caught in their eyes and cause an infection. Keeping objects that are very pointed (such as logs, etc.) or can cause great damage to the turtle’s eye if bumped on out of the tank is also never a bad idea.
Never keep a turtle in a tank with other creatures that may prey upon the turtle, this could make injuries to the eyes more likely as they may get into a scrap or have to try and defend themselves against a predator. Make sure that you do not keep the water in your turtle’s tank chlorinated or that if you do there is not too much chlorine. If it seems to irritate your turtle’s eyes, get rid of the water by dechlorinating it as mentioned in the process above.
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