Leopard gecko Eyes wont open.

Question
Hello my name is Michelle and i have 3 leopard geckos. Buddy, My 2 and 1/2 year old gecko, her head is a little swollen and she will not open her eyes. In the past 2 to 3 weeks she has been rubbing her eyes on the side of her tank. I have just now gotten her to eat some wax worms yesterday after not eating for 2 and 1/2 weeks. In general she eats about 2 to 3 meal worms every week which is fine. I have been giving her water by putting my finger in the water dish and putting it up to her face and she will lick it off her nose, about twice every day to make sure she is drinking water because her tongue stays a pale pink color until i give her water. I have taken her to the vet in the past when she started to get a lump under her eye and the vet gave me an eye drop (antibiotic) to treat it and it seemed to have worked but now she has been rubbing her eyes so much that I feel like she can't open her eyes no matter if she wants to. I am trying to give her a little of the drops to see if that will help but i can't seem to get it in her eyes. This is my baby and i love her . I would really like some help if there is anything you can tell me that will help. Thank you and I can send a picture of her if you would like.

Answer
Hi Michelle,

You have already taken the best route possible by consulting a vet about this. I have a couple minor suggestions but I don't know if there is much more I can add to your vet's advice. When it comes to something as critical and delicate as the eyes I do strongly encourage veterinary treatment.

The swelling suggests to me that Buddy's nasolacrimal duct may be blocked. That is the duct that drains liquid from the eye into the roof of the mouth. It can become blocked by infection which can result in the eye and the area around it swelling up with the trapped liquid. It is not something that can  be treated at home although treating the underlying infection can sometimes resolve it.

Eye problems in leos can often start with shedding problems and these are usually humidity related. I have included a couple links here that have photos of eye problems in leos. They picture retained eyelid skin,  caps and trapped pus being removed. I am not encouraging you to try that part at home but hydrating the eye may help soften and loosen retained skin around or over the eye with the result that Buddy is able to rub it off on her own. It can also flush out any particles that may be causing  irritation.
Saline or water can be used but they just tend to run off quickly. There are lubricating gels available that remain right in the eye and eyelid folds for better hydration. The product I use is called Refresh (make sure you get the gel form) and is sold over the counter for use in human eyes. It was recommended to me following laser eye surgery. If Refresh is not available in the U.S there are likely similar products if you ask your pharmacist.

http://web.mac.com/exoticdvm/reptile_archives_2007/Gecko_Dysecdysis.html

http://www.azeah.com/Care-Sheets.asp?id=117

You are already on the right track by keeping Buddy hydrated and assisting her to feed. Weight loss and dehydration are frequent secondary problems caused by eye infections.