Eye problem in a wild snake

Question
This is probably an unusual question, but at our local Boy Scout Camp, the Eco-Con director found a wild (non-venomous snake.) At this point, I don't know what kind it is, there's not too many varieties in the area.  It's not a garter and not a northern water snake, the 2 most common in the area.  Anyway, this snake has a possible eye infection.  One of it's eyes is very cloudy and looks like it has a pimple on it.  It's gotten worse in the last few days.  Obviously, we won't be taking it to a vet, but we'd like to know if there are any inexpensive treatments (saline drops, etc.) that might help it get the eye cleared up.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Rose.
   The most likely culprit is a shed, where the eye cap did not come off. If this is indeed the case, mineral oil or triple antibiotic ointment are the best home remedies. It concerns me that you call it a blister. It could be that some fluid has been retained under the eye cap. I have never seen this, but it seems possible. The snake could have lost or damaged it's cornea and that blister is the aftermath. The best thing you can do for the snake is to try the oil or ointment. I would apply it twice a day for at least 2 weeks. This means that you will have to feed the snake and take care of it for a couple of weeks. Also try soaking the snake in luke-warm water before applying the ointment. Please do not try removing the eyecap if it is retained. This can cause the snake to be blind. With any luck, the eyecap will come off in a week and the eye will clear up. Keep me posted. If you'd like to send a picture of the snake to me, I can come pretty close to identifying it and possibly provide more information on the eye problem. My email address is lasher9@gmail.com.

Regards,

Kevin L. Ogle