Texas Tree Lizard Eye Problem

Question
Hi Diane,
Once again, thank you for the great service you provide!

I am a little worried about my Texas Tree Lizard. For the first few months that I had it I only had a UVB light that would bring its tank to about 80 degrees at the most. About a month ago I finally got a 75 watt heating lamp and have them both operating at the same time. For the first few weeks there was nothing abnormal about my lizard's behavior. But for the past week he seems to have his eyes closed all day long. Even when I mess around with him or have my hand close to him, he will keep his eyes open for a few seconds and then close them again. I have noticed quite a bit of tears in his eyes, could it be sick? A few days ago I dropped a worm in front of him and he was able to grab it so I guess he isn't blind. But, he hasn't been interested in food the last couple of days. Do you think he may have some damage to his eyes though because of all the light?

This is the brand that I am using, the one I have is a 5.0 UVB though.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752558


Thanks again!

Jared

Answer
Hi Jared,
Thank you for the kind comments. I did go back and saw where Pam had answered you about lighting and you posted a picture of the light you were using..she gave you good info.  I'm surprised that using that light(power sun) that you didn't get higher temperatures. What you may be doing wrong is how you are measuring the temperatures.  When measuring the basking temperatures, you need to measure them right at the critters level, right where he lays.   Best thermometer to use for this is the in/out thermometer that has the little probe on the end of a wire.  The probe can be hung at the lizards level, under the basking light.
The stick on strips and most of the dials are not accurate plus they stick to the side of the tank so the temperature isn't being measured at the actual basking spot at the lizards level.  Also, you only need to have one area that is a "basking" & uvb area.  They also need to have a cool end to the tank and a mid temperature area..generally the middle of the tank.
The uvb light you got at petsmart....sorry to say but they are not recommended and some have caused some problems with reptiles eyes.
If, after changing the light from the spiral, he is still acting odd with his eyes then I would have a vet check him out and most likely prescribe some eye ointment or drops.
The good news is, if it is the light that is causing a problem, once its changed to a good uvb source, the problem will go away.


I am going to paste my uvb lighting info here for you.

Many reptiles need to have UVB which is the special lights that come in fluorescent tubes(No actual heat) or special screw in bulbs(mercury vapor)that are designed to produce uvb and heat. The tubes do not produce heat. UVB is needed by many reptiles to be able to absorb the calcium in the foods they eat. Without the uvb, they will develop metabolic bone disease. With the tubes, they must say that they produce BOTH uvb and uva. The uvb needs to be 5% or higher. Repti Sun 5.0 and 10.0(not compact) are TWO of the best uvb tubes on the market. The repti glo 8.0's are a great uvb source also. Arcadia 5.0 (UK), which is the uvb tube available in the UK is a good uvb tube. These need to be positioned 6-8 inches(for the 5.0 and 8.0 and 8-10 inches for the 10.0) over the BD so that they get the uvb that is needed. Recommended length of the tube is 18-24 inches. They need to be replaced every 6-9 months as that they stop producing uvb long before they stop producing light.  They need to have access to uvb and basking temperatures for 10-12 hours daily.  At night, no white lights!!!

There has been new studies that have proven that compact uvb lights, both the spiral/coil type and the ones that look like long "U's" laying on their side and a few other brands are causing what basically amounts to snow blindness in reptiles. The companies have corrected the problem but, there may still be some of the earlier manufactured bulbs out there so be sure to double check what you are using, or even if you are using proper uvb source.  To read more on this, you can go to

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm  

The companies have been working to correct the problem with the lighting so its important to know if the light you have MAY be the old version.

This link will take you to my discussion group and to a post that tells how to tell the new compacts from the old ones.   http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/UVB_Meter_Owners/message/6721


There are tubes and bulbs that say ''full spectrum'' but they do not produce any uvb.

On the mercury vapor , they also produce heat. They also produce the uvb and uva. The best on the market now are the MEGA RAY or the T-Rex.  www.reptileuv.com has more information on the Mega Ray lights. When using these, the distance is much greater than the uvb tubes and the directions must be followed that are listed for the light. When using the mercury vapor lights, you don't need to have one light for uvb and one for heat. The Mercury vapor lights provide both.