Albinism and Blindness

[RockHound]

A couple years ago, I rescued an albino leopard gecko from a herp rescue facility. They didn't mention this at the time (not sure they even knew) but after having her a few months and observing her behavior, I realized that she couldn't see very well. I have to keep her food contained for her to even have a chance at catching it (explains why she was skinny when I got her) and even then she must nose around to locate her prey. She has also cut her nose on a couple of occasions, seemingly from walking into stuff. She does react to quick movement, especially if a shadow is cast over her, so she sees something. Her pupils are always thin slits, though. If she hears my voice, she instantly calms down and often seeks my hand for some outside time.

She is a precious, gentle little lizard who seems to love living with my other female leopard gecko, who has given her a lot of confidence. They eat together, and often sleep in the same hide, without ever having an altercation.

I have heard that eye conditions are common in albino animals. My biologist roommate was able to tell me quite a bit about what she thought was going on physically, but I didn't fully understand it. I am curious though, does anyone else on here own albino herps? Do they have abnormal vision?

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from Off Topic to General Discussion

 

[NoxnGeorgieT]

I've never had an albino herp, but I did once have a lilac-point Siamese cat, and she was plagued with all kinds of health problems her whole life, including poor eyesight. It was a long time ago, and I don't remember the whole complicated genetics lesson, but our vet basically told us that her health problems had something to do with albinism in her genetic background. (All Siamese cats are partially albino; that's how they end up with the distinctive color pattern.) Apparently poor eyesight is one of the problems associated with albinism regardless of species.

 

[bunnyrut]

from what i researched about albino beardies (was interested in having one for a little while), they end up going blind. The light they they so need to survive also causes them to lose their eyesight.

i would say this is common for all albinos, depending on the species perhaps.

 

[RockHound]

I remember an article a while back about an albino fur seal pup that was abandoned and wandering around on the empty beach, blind and alone. I don't think he was rescued.. I think they just let nature take its course. Sad though. Poor little thing was so pitiful.

At least my gecko is nocturnal so she doesn't have to sit under a painfully intense light. Can you imagine? Being compelled by instinct to bask, but it being painful to do so. They are certainly rare for a reason. Even the infrared light causes constriction in my albino's pupils, but doesn't in my normal phase gecko's. I read that infrared is not in their visible spectra, but that doesn't seem to hold true for the albino.

Would be an interesting topic of study.

 

[bunnyrut]

I remember an article a while back about an albino fur seal pup that was abandoned and wandering around on the empty beach, blind and alone. I don't think he was rescued.. I think they just let nature take its course. Sad though. Poor little thing was so pitiful.

i don't understand why people think it's better to "let nature take it's course"
humans are constantly destroying habitats, messing up the ecosystem and running animals out of their homes.
why is it not OK to help them when they need it? i want to punch those people in the throats. seriously. it makes my blood boil.