Common Eye Problems in Pet Fish

When caring for pet fish, it’s very important to be informed about some of the potential eye conditions that can affect fish. Most of the eye problems in aquarium fish are able to be treated with proper fish care and specialized medication. Being aware of the eye problems that may be present in your fish is a very important part of pet care, since it will allow you to choose the best course of treatment.

EXOPHTHALMIA

Exophthalmia can generally be referred to as a noticeable ‘bulging’ of a fish’s eyes. This is classified more as a medical syndrome than a disease, though there are some treatment options available. Symptoms of advanced exophthalmia  include partial or complete dislocation of the eye from its orbit and compression of the optic nerve with eventual blindness.

CORNEAL ULCERS

Corneal ulcers develop on a fish’s corneal area. The cornea is a protective layer that covers the eye area of most fish. When there are any disruptions on a fish’s cornea, an ulcer may begin to develop. This condition can become progressively worse, and may even eventually cause the eye to rupture. The most common treatment for corneal ulcers involves antibiotics that are applied directly to a fish’s eyes. However, corneal ulcers in fish are often treated with supplemental medications that are added directly to aquarium water in proper portions.

CATARACTS

Cataracts in fish are relatively rare, though may still be present in some cases of eye conditions. Technically, a cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of a fish’s eye. This reduces vision, and may inhibit a fish’s ability to properly feed. Cataracts are most commonly caused by a nutrient deficiency, though may also result from severe injury or trauma. Preventing cataracts in fish usually involves common sense procedures, such as ensuring that your pet fish is being fed a balanced diet.

CORNEAL EDEMA

Corneal edema is a condition that usually occurs when a fish’s cornea becomes inflamed or irritated. This results in excessive fluid buildup, which contributes to an opaque appearance of a fish’s eye. This is sometimes caused by a bacterial infection, and may be able to be treated with proper administration of certain antibiotic medications.

MISSING GLOBE

In some cases, a fish’s eye may deteriorate or become damaged beyond repair. This can be caused by any number of factors, though is most commonly seen in fish that are afflicted with tuberculosis, or fish that have recently sustained trauma to their head area. Eventually, the open socket of a fish’s eye completely fills with scar tissue after the damage has been repaired. Fish are able to function on a semi-normal level with only one operating eye, as long as you take measures to ensure that they receive proper nutrition. When feeding your fish, be sure that a fish with a missing globe is not being prevented from eating by other fish. If necessary, isolate this fish for designated feeding times, or give them their own quarantined tank.