Ophthalmology of Anguimorpha and Iguania: Chameleons, Monitors, Dragons, Iguanas, and relatives

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Wild and Exotic Animal Ophthalmology
  • 1704 Accesses

Abstract

Compared to other domestic species, relatively little is known about the reptile eye and its role in health and disease. Until the 1980s, ocular disease was considered rare in reptiles (Millichamp et al. 1983; Ensley et al. 1978). However, with an increase in routine ophthalmic examination and research, we have come to realize that the reptile eye, similar to other domestic species, can be affected primarily or secondary to systemic disease or poor husbandry. When considering a body size range of 3 inches to 10 feet as well as variations in morphology, physiology, and behavioral adaptations, lizards are arguably the most diverse group of reptiles (Barten and Simpson 2019a; O’Malley 2005). Over half the known reptile species are lizards and can be found on every continent but Antarctica. Many lizard species can be kept in captivity, raising the need for knowledge of disease and its management.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abou-Madi N, Kern TJ (2002) Squamous cell carcinoma associated with a periorbital mass in a veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Vet Ophthalmol 5(3):217–220

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Andrew SE, Brooks DE (2002) Exotic animal ophthalmology. Anim Eye Res 21:1–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Araujo NLLC, Raposo AC, Muramoto C et al (2017) Evaluation of selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 26(3):176–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Banzato T, Hellebuyck T, Van Caelenberg A et al (2013) A review of diagnostic imaging of snakes and lizards. Vet Rec 173(2):43–49

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Banzato T, Selleri P, Veladiano IA et al (2012) Comparative evaluation of the cadaveric, radiographic and computed tomographic anatomy of the heads of green iguana (Iguana iguana), common tegu (Tupinambis merianae) and bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). BMC Vet Res 8(1):1–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Barten S, Simpson S (2019a) Lizard taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds) Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 63–74

    Google Scholar 

  • Barten S, Simpson S (2019b) Lizards. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds) Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 152–161

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellairs A’A (1981) Congenital and developmental diseases. In: Cooper J, Jackson OF (eds) Diseases of the Reptilia. Academic Press, London, p 469

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyer TH (2018) Vitamin A deficiency in insectivorous lizards. Clinician’s Brief August:14–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Brach V (1976) Structure and function of the ocular conus papillaris of Anolis equestris (Sauria: Iguanidae). Copeia 1976(3):552–558

    Google Scholar 

  • Bühler I, Reese S, Hoffmann I (2009) Bilateral periocular swelling due to nutritional vitamin imbalance in a Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), Abstract No. 61. Vet Ophthalmol 12(6):386–389

    Google Scholar 

  • Bustard HR (1963) Growth, sloughing, feeding, mating, gestation, life-span, and poor health of chamaeleons in captivity. Copeia 1963(4):704–706

    Google Scholar 

  • Chai N, Bouhanna L, Bouts T, Macé JP (2012) Bilateral cataract in a rock monitor: treatment by phaco-emulsification. Point Vétérinaire 43(322 Part 2):54–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Coke RL, Carpenter JW (2001) Use of ocular/nasolacrimal flushes for treating periocular swelling in old world chameleons. Exot DVM 3(5):14–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Coke RL, Couillard NK (2002) Ocular biology and diseases of old world chameleons. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 5:275–285

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Colitz CMH, Lewbart G, Davidson MG (2002) Phacoemulsification in an adult savannah monitor lizard. Vet Ophthalmol 5(3):207–209

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crossland NA, DiGeronimo PM (2018) Bearded dragon infectious disease slideshow. LafeberVet web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/bearded-dragon-infectious-disease-slideshow/

  • Darrow BG, Johnstone McLean NS, Russman SE, Schiller CA (2013) Periorbital adenocarcinoma in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Vet Ophthalmol 16(Suppl 1):177–182

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Daza JD, Bauer AM (2010) The circumorbital bones of the Gekkota (Reptilia: Squamata). Anat Rec 293(3):402–413

    Google Scholar 

  • del Rio AB (2002) Reptiles ophthalmology. Proceedings of the WSAVA congress.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duke-Elder S (1958) Reptiles. In: Duke-Elder S (ed) System of Ophthalmology, The Eye in Evolution, vol I. Mosby, St. Louis, pp 353–395

    Google Scholar 

  • Emerson JA, Walling BE, Whittington JK et al (2012) Pathology in practice. Journal of the Am Vet Med Assoc 240(10):1175–1177

    Google Scholar 

  • Ensley PK, Anderson MP, Bacon JP (1978) Ophthalmic disorders in three snakes. J Zoo Anim Med 9:57–59

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans SE (2008) The skull of lizards and tuatara. In: Gans C, Gaunt AS, Adler K (eds) Biology of the Reptilia, Morphology H. The skull of lepidosauria, vol 20. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, New York, pp 1–347

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowlkes DH, Karwoski CJ, Proenza LM (1984) Endogenous circadian rhythm in electroretinogram of free-moving lizards. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 25:121–124

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fry BG, Vidal N, Norman JA, Vonk FJ, Scheib H, Ramjan SR, Kuruppu S, Fung K, Hedges SB, Richardson MK, Hodgson WC (2006) Early evolution of the venom system in lizards and snakes. Nature 439(7076):584–588

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gardhouse S, Eshar D, Lee-Chow B et al (2014) Diagnosis and treatment of a periocular myxosarcoma in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Can Vet J 55(7):663–666

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Gardiner DW, Baines FM, Pandher K (2009) Photodermatitis and photokeratoconjunctivitis in a ball python (Python regius) and a blue-tongue skink (Tiliqua spp.). J Zoo Wildl Med 40(4):757–766

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Girling S (2013) Reptile and amphibian handling and chemical restraint. In: Veterinary nursing of exotic pets. John Wiley & Sons, Sussex (England), pp 272–285

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamasaki DI (1968) Properties of the parietal eye of the green iguana. Vision Res 8(5):591–599

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hannon DE, Garner MM, Reavill DR (2011) Squamous cell carcinomas in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). J Herpetol Med Surg 21:101–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Hernandez-Divers SM, Garner MM (2003) Neoplasia of reptiles with an emphasis on lizards. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 6:251–273

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann I (2011) Eye. In: Krautwald-Junghanns ME, Pees M, Reese S, Tully T (eds) Diagnostic Imaging of Exotic Pets: Birds, Small Mammals. Reptiles. Schlütersche, Hannover, pp 354–357

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann I, Pees M (2011) Special diagnostics, pathological findings: Other organ systems, space-occupying lesions. In: Krautwald-Junghanns ME, Pees M, Reese S, Tully T (eds) Diagnostic Imaging of Exotic Pets: Birds, Small Mammals. Reptiles. Schlütersche, Hannover, pp 430–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmberg BJ (2008) Ophthalmology of exotic pets. In: Maggs D, Miller P, Ofri R (eds) Slatter’s Fundamentals of Veterinary Ophthalmology, 4th edn. Saunders, St. Louis, pp 427–441

    Google Scholar 

  • Hudson RD, Alberts A (2004) The role of zoo in the conservation of West Indian iguanas. In: Alberts AC, Carter RL, Hayes WK, Martins EP (eds) Iguanas: Biology and Conservation. University of California Press, Berkeley, pp 274–289

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenison G, Nolte J (1980) An ultraviolet-sensitive mechanism in the reptilian parietal eye. Brain Res 194:506–510

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ji X, Qiu QB, Diong CH (2002) Influence of incubation temperature on hatching success, energy expenditure for embryonic development, and size and morphology of hatchlings in the Oriental garden lizard, Calotes versicolor (Agamidae). J Exp Zool 292(7):649–659

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Joglar RL, Álvarez AO, Aide TM et al (2007) Conserving the Puerto Rican herpetofauna. Appl Herpetol 4:327–345

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson R (2019) Venomous species. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds) Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 162–179

    Google Scholar 

  • Katti C, Stacey-Solis M, Coronel-Rojas N, Davies WI (2019) The diversity and adaptive evolution of visual photopigments in reptiles. Front Ecol Evol 7:352

    Google Scholar 

  • Ketter-Katz H, Lev-Ari T, Katzir G (2020) Vision in chameleons-A model for non-mammalian vertebrates. Semin Cell Dev Biol 106:94–105

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kubiak M (2021a) Bearded dragons. In: Kubiak M (ed) Handbook of Exotic Pet Medicine. Wiley Blackwell, Oxford, pp 219–240

    Google Scholar 

  • Kubiak M (2021b) Chameleons. In: Kubiak M (ed) Handbook of Exotic Pet Medicine. Wiley Blackwell, Oxford, pp 263–281

    Google Scholar 

  • Labelle A (2016) Special senses: eyes. In: Mitchell M, Tully TN Jr (eds) Current Therapy in Exotic Pet Practice. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 435–459

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawton MPC (2019a) Ophthalmology. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds) Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 721–735

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawton MPC (2019b) Eye. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds) Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 1024–1027

    Google Scholar 

  • Mans C, Sladky KK, Schumacher J (2019) General anesthesia. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds) Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 447–464

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayer J, Pizzirani S, Desena R (2010) Bilateral exophthalmos in an adult iguana (Iguana iguana) caused by an orbital abscess. J Herpetol Med Surg 20(1):5–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller EA, Green SL, Otto GM, Bouley DM (2001) Suspected hypovitaminosis A in a colony of captive green anoles (Anolis carolinensis). Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci 40(2):18–20

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Millichamp NJ (1997) Management of ocular disease in exotic species. Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine 6:152–159

    Google Scholar 

  • Millichamp NJ, Jacobson ER, Wolf ED (1983) Disease of the eye and ocular adnexae in reptiles. J Am Vet Med Assoc 183(11):1205–1212

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Montiani-Ferreira F (2001) Ophthalmology. In: Fowler ME, Cubas ZS (eds) Biology, Medicine and Surgery of South American Wild Animals. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, pp 437–456

    Google Scholar 

  • Myers G, Webb T, Corbett CR et al (2011) Phacoemulsification for removal of bilateral cataracts in a black water monitor (Varanus salvator macromaculatus). Journal of Herpetol Medicine and Surgery 21(4):96–100

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Malley B (2005) Lizards. In: O’Malley B (ed) Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species. W.B. Saunders, Edinburgh, UK, pp 57–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Ott M (2001) Chameleons have independent eye movements but synchronise both eyes during saccadic prey tracking. Exp Brain Res 139(2):173–179

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ott M, Schaeffel F (1995) A negatively powered lens in the chameleon. Nature 373:692–694

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pees M (2011) Radiographic investigation. In: Krautwald-Junghanns ME, Pees M, Reese S, Tully T (eds) Diagnostic Imaging of Exotic Pets: Birds, Small Mammals. Reptiles. Schlütersche, Hannover, pp 310–312

    Google Scholar 

  • Pellett S, Pinborough M (2014) Squamous cell carcinoma in a central bearded dragon. Comp Anim 19(7):379–384

    Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-Buitrago P, Bendon J, García M, Alvarez A, McMillan O (2005) Mona iguana nesting seasons 2003 and 2004. Iguana Spec Group Newsl 8:7–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Pryor SG, Cutler D, Yau W et al (2018) Adnexal cystadenoma in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine 27:85–89

    Google Scholar 

  • Raynaud A (1985) Development of limbs and embryonic limb reduction. In: Gans C, Billett F (eds) Biology of the Reptilia, Development B, vol 15. John Wiley and Sons, New York, pp 59–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Rehorek SJ (1997 Jul) Squamate Harderian gland: an overview. Anat Rec 248(3):301–306

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rival F, Linsart A, Isard PF et al (2015) Anterior segment morphology and morphometry in selected reptile species using optical coherence tomography. Vet Ophthalmol 18(Suppl 1):53–60

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rousselet E, De Mello Souza CH, Wellehan JFX Jr et al (2017) Cutaneous iridophoroma in a green iguana (Iguana iguana). Vet Clin Pathol 46(4):625–628

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sabater M, Pérez M (2013) Congenital ocular and adnexal disorders in reptiles. Vet Ophthalmol 16(1):47–55

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Salpeter EM, Keller KA, Alam MT, Martins BC, Smith Fleming KM (2019) Normal ocular parameters and ocular surface microbiome in healthy adult bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), Abstract. Vet Ophthalmol 22(6):E28–E80

    Google Scholar 

  • Schnellbacher RW, Shepard M (2019) Sedation. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds) Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 441–446

    Google Scholar 

  • Schumacher J, Pellicane CP, Heard DJ, Voges A (1996) Periorbital abscess in a three-horned chameleon (Chamaeleo jacksonii). Vet Comp Ophthalmol 6:30–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuster EJ, Strueve J, Fehr MJ et al (2015) Measurement of intraocular pressure in healthy unanesthetized inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Am J Vet Res 76(6):494–499

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schwab IR, Yuen CK, Buyukmihci NC, Blankenship TN, Fitzgerald PG (2002) Evolution of the tapetum. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc 100:187–200

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Sigler L, Hambleton S, Paré JA (2013) Molecular characterization of reptile pathogens currently known as members of the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii complex and relationship with some human-associated isolates. J Clin Microbiol 51(10):3338–3357

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Skurski ML, Fleming GJ, Daneault A et al (2019) Behavioral training and enrichment of reptiles. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ (eds) Mader’s Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edn. Elsevier, St. Louis, pp 100–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith Fleming KM (2019) Ocular Surface Disease in Reptiles. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 22(1):109–121

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taddei S, Dodi PL, Di Ianni F, Cabassi CS, Cavirani S (2010) Conjunctival flora of clinically normal captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Vet Rec 167:29–30

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas CL, Artwohl JE, Pearl RK, Gardiner CH (1996) Swollen eyelid associated with Foleyella sp. infection in a chameleon. J Am Vet Med Assoc 209(5):972–973

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tosini G, Bertolucci C, Foà A (2001) The circadian system of reptiles: a multioscillatory and multiphotoreceptive system. Physiol Behav 72(4):461–471

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tripathi RG (1974) Comparative physiology and anatomy of the aqueous outflow pathway. In: Davson H, Graham LT Jr (eds) The Eye, Volume 5. Academic Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Underwood G (1970) The eye. In: Gans C, Parsons TS (eds) Biology of the Reptilia, Morphology B, vol 2. Academic Press, London, pp 1–97

    Google Scholar 

  • UV Guide UK Web site. Special Report. Available at: http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor-info.htm.

  • Vidal N, Hedges SB (2005) The phylogeny of squamate reptiles (lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians) inferred from nine nuclear protein-coding genes. C R Biol 328(10–11):1000–1008

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vidal N, Hedges SB (2009) The molecular evolutionary tree of lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians. C R Biol 332(2-3):129–139

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wada S, Kawano-Yamashita E, Koyanagi M, Terakita A (2012) Expression of UV-sensitive parapinopsin in the iguana parietal eyes and its implication in UV-sensitivity in vertebrate pineal-related organs. PLoS One 7(6):e39003

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Walls GL (1942) The vertebrate eye and its adaptive radiation. Cranbrook Institute of Science.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whittaker CJG, Schumacher J, Bennett RA, Neuwirth L, Gelatt KN (1997) Orbital varix in a green iguana (Iguana iguana). Journal of Veterinary Comparative Ophthalmalogy 7:101–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiens JJ, Hutter CR, Mulcahy DG et al (2012) Resolving the phylogeny of lizards and snakes (Squamata) with extensive sampling of genes and species. Biol Lett 8(6):1043–1046

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Williams DL (2012) Ophthalmology of Exotic Pets. John Wiley and Sons, Ames, Iowa, pp 159–196

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams DL (2019) The reptile eye. In: Girling SJ, Raiti P (eds) BSAVA Manual of Reptiles, 3rd edn. British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, pp 273–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams DL, MacGregor S, Sainsbury AW (2000) Evaluation of bacteria isolated from infected eyes of captive, non-domestic animals. Vet Rec 146(18):515–518

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wojick KB, Naples LM, Knapp CR (2013) Ocular health assessment, tear production, and intraocular pressure in the Andros Island iguana (Cyclura cychlura cychlura). J Zoo Wildl Med 44(1):116–123

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kathryn Smith Fleming .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Fleming, K.S. (2022). Ophthalmology of Anguimorpha and Iguania: Chameleons, Monitors, Dragons, Iguanas, and relatives. In: Montiani-Ferreira, F., Moore, B.A., Ben-Shlomo, G. (eds) Wild and Exotic Animal Ophthalmology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71302-7_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Navigation