Yes, bearded dragons can see in the dark, but they cannot see in complete darkness. Rather, they have several adaptations that allow them to see and sense their surroundings in low-light conditions.
Although bearded dragons cannot see in complete darkness, they have many rod cells in their eyes, which are specialized cells sensitive to low light levels. These rod cells help the bearded dragon detect movement and navigate in dimly lit environments.
Additionally, bearded dragons have a tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind their retina. This helps enhance their night vision by reflecting light through their retina, allowing them to see more clearly in low light conditions.
Understanding the Bearded Dragon’s Vision in Low-Light Conditions
Bearded dragons have two eyes located on the sides of their head. This placement allows them to have a wide field of vision, which is important for detecting potential environmental threats.
They also have a specialized part of their eye called the “parietal eye,” also known as the “third eye,” which is connected to the pineal gland, which is responsible for regulating the bearded dragon’s sleep-wake cycle and the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that helps induce sleep.
Additionally, the parietal eye of bearded dragons, located on the top of their head, is sensitive to light and dark changes. It helps them detect potential environmental threats, even when they are not directly looking at them.
Bearded dragons have a special adaptation that allows them to see well in low-light conditions. They have a layer of cells in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light through the retina. This means they can make the most of any available light and see more clearly in dimly lit environments.
The retina of a bearded dragon’s eye contains two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones.
Rod cells are specialized cells that are responsible for detecting light and dark. They are more sensitive to light than cone cells, responsible for color vision.
Bearded dragons have more rods than cones in their retina, so they are better equipped to see in low-light conditions. This means that bearded dragons are better equipped to see in low-light conditions than humans are. This is why they can see objects far away and from the ground in the dark.
Factors That Affect Bearded Dragons’ Vision
Age and Diseases
As bearded dragons age, their ability to see in the dark can be impacted by various factors, such as changes in their eyes’ structure and function and age-related conditions.
One factor that can affect the bearded dragon’s night vision is the development of cataracts, a condition in which the eye’s lens becomes cloudy or opaque, impairing vision. Cataracts can occur due to age-related changes, genetics, or other factors such as injury or disease.
As cataracts progress, they can significantly reduce the amount of light that enters the eye, making it difficult for the bearded dragon to see in low-light conditions. Another factor affecting the bearded dragon’s night vision as they age developing a degenerative retinal disease called “retinopathy.”
This condition causes the retina to deteriorate over time, leading to progressive vision loss, including reduced night vision. This condition is more common in older bearded dragons and can be exacerbated by factors such as poor diet, genetics, and environmental stressors.
Additionally, as bearded dragons age, they may become less active, spending more time basking under heat lamps and less time moving around. This reduced activity can lead to reduced visual stimulation, decreasing visual acuity over time.
Housing and Lighting Conditions
Poor lighting can make it difficult for a bearded dragon to see clearly. Inadequate UVB lighting can also lead to eye problems and other health issues. Additionally, if a bearded dragon’s enclosure is too small or cluttered, it may need more space to move around and explore, impacting its vision and overall health.
Bearded dragons require UVB and UVA lighting to maintain their health, well-being, and ability to see in low-light conditions. In addition, UVB lighting is necessary for producing vitamin D3, essential for calcium absorption and healthy bone development.
UVA lighting is important for maintaining the bearded dragon’s circadian rhythm and promoting natural behaviors such as feeding, basking, and activity. Without adequate lighting, bearded dragons may become lethargic, and experience reduced vision, including impaired night vision.
Bearded dragons require a basking spot that reaches a temperature of around 104-107 degrees Fahrenheit and a cooler side of the enclosure that stays around 71-77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Appropriate temperatures are important for maintaining the bearded dragon’s overall health and metabolism and their ability to see in low-light conditions. In my experience, if the temperature is too low, the bearded dragon may become sluggish and inactive, while if it’s too high, they may become stressed and dehydrated, both of which can impact their vision.
Bearded dragons also require a spacious and secure enclosure with plenty of room to move around and explore. A cluttered or overcrowded enclosure can cause stress and anxiety, leading to a decline in overall health and vision. Additionally, it’s important to provide hiding spots and climbing structures to promote natural behaviors and reduce stress.
The substrate used in the bearded dragon’s enclosure can also impact their vision. Loose substrates, such as sand or wood chips, can cause eye irritation and injury, while non-abrasive substrates, such as reptile carpets or paper towels, are a safer option. Keeping the substrate clean and dry is also important to prevent bacterial growth and other health issues.
