Eye Disorders

                         -------------



Various disorders involving the eyes and related structures can

afflict desert tortoises.  Some of these include cataracts,

corneal ulcers, infections, puncture wounds and other injuries,

conjunctivitis, keratitis sicca (dry eye), and hatchling eye

syndrome (vascular scarring).  Eye involvement may accompany

respiratory disease.  Cataracts may result from injury or

infection, and some eye disorders are hereditary.  Unusual eye

color variations are also noted from time to time.