The third eye of bearded dragons has long fascinated reptile lovers. Also known as the parietal eye, this mystical eye-like structure sits at the top of a bearded dragon’s head and is thought to be a remnant of their evolutionary ancestry.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The bearded dragon’s third eye is a real anatomical structure, but it does not function like an actual eye. Instead, it likely helps regulate circadian rhythms.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the bearded dragon’s third eye. We’ll discuss the anatomy and purpose of this unusual eye-like structure, look at some common myths surrounding it, and provide tips on caring for the area around a bearded dragon’s third eye.
Anatomy of the Bearded Dragon Third Eye
Physical appearance
The third eye of bearded dragons, also known as the parietal eye or pineal eye, is a special sensory organ located on top of their head. It is a small, light-sensitive organ that resembles a pale scale or a tiny bulge.
The third eye in bearded dragons is usually translucent and may appear whitish, bluish, or grayish in color. It has a lens, retina, and nerve connections to the brain, so it functions similarly to the two main eyes of lizards.
However, the third eye lacks some components found in the main eyes, so its vision abilities are limited.
Location on head
The pineal eye of bearded dragons sits right in the middle of the head, in between the two larger lateral eyes. It is positioned within a parietal foramen, an opening in the parietal scale which is located at the top of the head.
The exact position can vary slightly between individual dragons, but it is always on the dorsal side of the head. The third eye has an elevated position that gives it a wide field of view of the sky overhead.
Connection to pineal gland
The parietal eye of bearded dragons is structurally associated with the pineal gland, which is located directly beneath it inside the brain. The pineal gland produces melatonin, serotonin, and other hormones involved in circadian rhythms and seasonal cycles.
The parietal eye likely helps regulate those cycles by detecting light/dark signals. This allows dragons to synchronize their biology and behaviors with the day-night cycle. The parietal eye neurons connect to the pineal gland and project into areas of the brain related to navigation, orientation, and regulating sleep-wake cycles according to light exposure.
So the third eye provides sensory input that allows bearded dragons to adapt to changing lighting conditions.
The Purpose and Function of the Third Eye
The third eye of bearded dragons, which is located on the top of their head, serves some intriguing purposes for these unique lizards. While not an actual functioning eye like their two main eyes, it likely helps regulate circadian rhythms and sense light/dark cycles.
Helps regulate circadian rhythms
The pineal gland underneath the third eye contains light-sensitive cells and hormones like melatonin that regulate sleep/wake cycles. So while not directly “seeing” light, the third eye provides input that syncs bearded dragons’ days and nights.
Intriguingly, covering it affects their ability to properly sleep and be active when nature intends.
May sense light/dark cycles
In addition to circadian regulation, the third eye likely provides a basic sense of light/dark to bearded dragons. Experiments show that even when their normal eyes are covered, light stimuli on the third eye impacts their behavior.
So they can perceive external light/dark conditions even without their true vision. Cool!
Not an actual eye
While called an eye, the third eye lacks key components for true vision, like a lens or retina. It likely can’t form proper images like their regular eyes. However, it still grants bearded dragons a sort of extra “sense” feeding valuable data to their brains, almost like a light meter!
The bearded dragon’s exotic third eye spot demonstrates the weird wonders evolution cooks up. Far from useless, it provides key assistance to keeping these creatures fit and synchronized! Scientists still have much more learning ahead about its full workings and capabilities – more viral bearded dragon social media content surely coming!
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Common Myths and Misconceptions
It is not a ‘mystical’ third eye
Many people mistakenly believe that the pineal eye on top of a bearded dragon’s head has some mystical or supernatural properties. However, scientists have determined that this eye, also called the parietal eye or third eye, is not connected to any kind of extrasensory perception or vision (source).
The parietal eye is simply a sensory organ that detects light and darkness to help regulate circadian rhythms and other physiological processes.
While it may look intriguing, the third eye does not give bearded dragons any special powers or insight. It serves an important biological function, but calling it “mystical” is just a myth not backed by science.
Does not give insight or vision
Another common myth is that the third eye somehow gives bearded dragons psychic abilities, insight into the future or spirit worlds, or additional vision or perception abilities like X-ray vision. However, multiple studies of the parietal eye show that it does not confer any kind of “sixth sense” upon bearded dragons (source).
The biological purpose of the pineal or parietal eye in lizards like bearded dragons is detecting light, regulating circadian rhythms and hormone levels, triggering breeding behaviors, and orienting the position of the pineal body.
It does not enable extra physical or metaphysical sight the way the two lateral eyes do.
So while the third eye looks special, science tells us it does not provide any paranormal perceptive powers. Bearded dragons likely have no concept of insight or vision from their parietal eye.
Not connected to intelligence or behavior
Since the parietal eye is primarily used for light detection and physiological regulation, there is no evidence it contributes directly to a bearded dragon’s intelligence or personalty traits. Researchers have not identified any cognitive, reasoning, or information processing structures or functions associated with this eye (source).
Some people may incorrectly assume that a bigger or more prominently displayed parietal eye means the bearded dragon is smarter or more spiritually elevated. But a lizard’s behavioral traits and intelligence levels are believed to originate more from genetics, instincts, and learned behaviors rather than anything having to do with the tiny third eye organ.
Caring for the Area Around the Third Eye
Avoid damage when handling
A bearded dragon’s third eye, also known as a parietal eye, is located on the top of its head between the eyes and nostrils. This delicate area contains light-sensitive cells and pores that secrete fluid.
Due to the fragility of this region, owners should take care to avoid damaging it when handling their lizard (Reptiles Magazine).
Specifically, grasp under the front legs and torso rather than the top of the head. Trim nails regularly since scratches near the third eye can cause infections. Also inspect for signs of injury like scratches or fluid leakage, especially if housing other dragons who may fight.
Keep area clean and dry
Good hygiene around the third eye prevents infections which can permanently damage it. Gently clean around the area when bathing your dragon using plain water. Avoid soap or saline which may irritate (The Bearded Dragon Secret Manual).
Make sure your vivarium has proper heating and ventilation as excess moisture can lead to respiratory infections. Provide a basking area keeping temperatures around 95-110°F to discourage bacterial growth.
Spot clean waste immediately and replace substrates like sand which can stick to the parietal eye.
Monitor for injury/infection
Check routinely that the region looks clear, feels dry, and lacks cuts or irregular fluid discharge. Telltale signs of infection include swelling, reddening, pus, or impaired vision like keeping one eye closed (Bearded Dragon Lady). In severe cases, the eye itself may be malformed or missing.
If you suspect third eye damage or illness, call your exotic veterinarian right away as treatment options are time sensitive. Left untreated, problems here can spread causing major health decline. With proper care, a dragon’s third eye can remain healthy for their 10-15 year lifespan.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Swelling, redness, pus
The area around a bearded dragon’s third eye is very delicate. Any signs of swelling, redness, or fluid/pus drainage should prompt a veterinary visit as soon as possible. These can indicate an infection or inflammation, which needs rapid treatment.
An untreated infection risks spreading to the brain, since the third eye area has a direct connection.
Potential causes for these symptoms include bacterial or fungal infections. Injuries to the area can introduce pathogens that trigger infection. Unsanitary habitat conditions also raise infection risks.
Veterinarians can prescribe antibiotic or antifungal medication once identifying the specific infection through microbial culture tests.
Injury to the area
Since the third eye area contains delicate sensory organs, injuries require quick veterinary exams. Cuts, punctures, swelling/bruising, or tissue damage warrant attention. Any trauma to a bearded dragon’s head demands an urgent vet visit.
Inspect the enclosure after injuries, looking for sharp decor items or aggressive cage mates. Prevent repeat issues by removing hazards. However, external causes are not always to blame. Bearded dragons may damage third eye tissues themselves through excessive scratching or rubbing if irritations or discomfort occur.
Signs of infection
Infections produce distinct symptoms needing prompt veterinary care. Aside from visible swelling/redness/discharge, other infection signs include:
- Squinting/swelling of the eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy/inactivity
- Abnormal head positioning/tilting
- Visible areas of pus or ulceration on head
Bacterial cultures help identify the type of infection to target treatment. Antibiotics, antifungal, or other medications may be prescribed. Supportive care, like fluid therapy or assist-feeding, ensures proper nutrition and hydration while infections resolve.
| Infection Type | Common Causes |
| Bacterial | Unsanitary habitats, injury, stressed immune systems |
| Fungal | High humidity, compromised immune function |
Catching third eye issues early greatly aids treatment success. Learn more infection signs to watch for. With vet care, most bearded dragons fully recover.
Conclusion
The third eye of bearded dragons continues to fascinate reptile enthusiasts. While this anatomical structure does not provide any kind of mystical powers, it does serve an important biological function.
With proper care and handling, you can keep your bearded dragon’s third eye healthy and free from injury or infection. Always monitor the area closely and seek veterinary care if you have any concerns.
