Most people that love Bearded Dragons and that keep them as pets, do not realize that their eye sight is interesting.
With long observation we have noticed that the eyes have trouble focusing on anything that moves in a group such as any of their basic feeder items like roaches and superworms. A dragon will cock its head and try to focus out of curiosity or hunger. They do suspect that it’s food but unless hunger over-rides all else they loose interest. Cocking of the head to focus on a single item is fine but mass movement is difficult for them.
They have wonderful eye site for color. Red, green, orange, white and even brown. I say brown since in the enclosure or home of a dragon such as a spot of fecal matter that is white, (urine) and brown that has been left or not quite cleaned up will also cause the dragon to investigate. A lick here and there to check these spots can eventually cause an overabundance in the digestive system. The dragon will go off it’s food with weight loss and illness. A visit to a veterinarian will be needed to bring the dragon back to health.
This is the first reason why dragons will eat fruit and vegetables. Checking each color by taste to see what each could be. Decorating the habitat with color on the walls seems to have a calming effect as well. It also gives the Bearded Dragon’s home a warm and inviting effect for the caregiver and family when entering the room.
Some dragons do not have perfect vision. They can be far sited or near sited. This does not impair the dragon as a wonderful pet but being aware of this issue will help a dragon keeper to make sure the pet can see the food offered. A small handicap since most have personalities which make up for the disability.
Beware of shed surrounding the eye lid. This can get into the eye if the dragon works to remove the skin. Rubbing sometimes will drag the shed into the eye and be an irritant. The eye will water in turn which can cause a caking in the eye.
Using a 1cc syringe and eye wash to gently squirt into the eye will soften and remove the problem. Always check at least twice a day for a few days to make sure the issue has been taken care of. Sometimes conjunctivitis can also ensue from an irritant. Slight swelling of the eye lid and caking in the eye will then need a veterinarian visit.
