Reluctant to Open Right Eye

[Chameleon87]

Recently my panther, Razzy, has been tenative about opening his right eye sometimes. At periods when he is sitting or basking he might just have his left eye open. There is no sunken eye or dehydration and he is active and free ranges when eating. Just starting to become a lil worried after reading all the eye threads. Want to try to rinse it with normal saline and give him a warm shower, any other suggestion? Unfortunately, there are no good reptile vets around Las Cruces, NM or in El Paso, Tx - I would have to take h im to Albuquerque, NM i think.

Would appreciate help! thanks

@ work so I can post full form response and couple pics later

 

[panthercrazy]

What are you using for UVB and brand? Compact (coil bulb) or linear tube style?

 

[Chameleon87]

Light

Linear tube Reptisun 5.0 24 inches and 60 watt houseshold basking bulb. Having trouble with new t8 bulb I got keeps fluttering on and off (used to have t12) but I think its the fixture

 

[panthercrazy]

You are using one of the recommended bulbs. Are you able to test the UVB output? I wonder if the fluttering is a possible cause for eye irritation? Chams have such sensitive eyes. For that matter a fluttering florescent gives me a headache lol.

I know another member has been testing and posting info on the t12 & t8 bulbs, maybe there is beneficial info in there for you. Maybe he'll chime in here.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/zoo-med-dropping-t12-22244/ and https://www.chameleonforums.com/new-zoo-med-10-a-24937/

Is it possible your cham stratched the eye on something in the enclosure, do you see any visible signs?

 

[Chameleon87]

I adjust the light every morning, it's such a hassle but I make sure that it isn't fluttering when I leave because when it is he will look at it like 'what the hell is going on?'

I don't see any visible scratches/deformities on the eye, and there isn't much in the cage except for an added pothos with a pot and hanging metal cord that I'm gonna wrap in tape, but this started beforehand..

 

[Chameleon87]

Cham is doing fine now, does anyone else's keep their eye close sometime?