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[[Image:round_yellow_rat_snake_pupil.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Round pupil of a [[Rat snake]]''' - © RVC]]

[[Image:round_yellow_rat_snake_pupil.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Round pupil of a [[Rat snake]]''' - © RVC]]

[[Image:slit_palm_pit_viper_pupil.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Slit pupil of a [[Pit viper]]''' - © RVC]]

[[Image:slit_palm_pit_viper_pupil.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Slit pupil of a [[Pit viper]]''' - © RVC]]

'''For more information on examining snake eyes, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

'''For more information on examining snake eyes, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

* '''Spectacle''' - The embryologically-fused eyelids (hence no palpebral fissure) form a transparent covering of the eye called the spectacle (also known as the brille or eyecap).  Between the spectacle and the cornea are tear-like secretions.  The spectacle is [[Snake Shedding|shed]] during normal [[Ecdysis|ecdysis]] but may be pathologically retained (for example if [[Snake Mites|mites]] are present, with low humidity or if the eye is [[:Category:Snake Spectacular Diseases|diseased]]).  [[Snake Retained Spectacles|Retention of the spectacles]] has been associated with the development of corneal disease and panophthalmitis.

* '''Spectacle''' - The embryologically-fused eyelids (hence no palpebral fissure) form a transparent covering of the eye called the spectacle (also known as the brille or eyecap).  Between the spectacle and the cornea are tear-like secretions.  The spectacle is [[Snake Shedding|shed]] during normal [[Ecdysis|ecdysis]] but may be pathologically retained (for example if [[Snake Mites|mites]] are present, with low humidity or if [[:Category:Snake Spectacular Diseases|the eye is diseased]]).  [[Snake Retained Spectacles|Retention of the spectacles]] has been associated with the development of corneal disease and panophthalmitis.

* '''Tears''' - All reptiles produce tears.  In snakes, tears produce a region of lubrication between the cornea and the spectacle, allowing the free movement of the eye.  Paired nasolacrimal ducts drain the sub-spectacular spaces into the mouth near the vomeronasal organ.  Tears cannot overflow the eyelids, as in mammals, so if a nasolacrimal duct is damaged there is a build-up of tears under the spectacle, which leads to a [[Snake Bullous Spectaculopathy|bullous spectaculopathy]].

* '''Tears''' - All reptiles produce tears.  In snakes, tears produce a region of lubrication between the cornea and the spectacle, allowing the free movement of the eye.  Paired nasolacrimal ducts drain the sub-spectacular spaces into the mouth near the vomeronasal organ.  Tears cannot overflow the eyelids, as in mammals, so if a nasolacrimal duct is damaged there is a build-up of tears under the spectacle, which leads to a [[Snake Bullous Spectaculopathy|bullous spectaculopathy]].

* '''Cornea''' - The pupil is commonly elliptical or round and may give an indication of habitat and lifestyle.  Often diurnal species have round pupils and nocturnal species have vertical pupils.  [[coral snake|Coral snakes]] and all New World non-venomous snakes, except the [[Boa constrictor|boa constrictor]] have round pupils, while [[Pit viper|pit vipers]] have vertical slit pupils.

* '''Cornea''' - The pupil is commonly elliptical or round and may give an indication of habitat and lifestyle.  Often diurnal species have round pupils and nocturnal species have vertical pupils.  [[coral snake|Coral snakes]] and all New World non-venomous snakes, except the [[Boa constrictor|boa constrictor]] have round pupils, while [[Pit viper|pit vipers]] have vertical slit pupils.

==Physiology==

==Physiology==

Accommodation is similar to mammals with changes in the shape of the lens. Unlike mammals, this is under voluntary control by the action of the striated radial muscles within the ciliary body. Mammalian mydriatics therefore do not work in reptiles.  However, d-tubocurarine has been used for mydriasis in reptiles.  Reptiles have a rapid direct light reflex but no consensual light reflex.

Accommodation is similar to mammals with changes in the shape of the lens. Unlike mammals, this is under voluntary control by the action of the striated radial muscles within the ciliary body. Mammalian mydriatics therefore do not work in reptiles.  However, d-tubocurarine has been used for mydriasis in reptiles.  Reptiles have a rapid direct light reflex but no consensual light reflex.

[[Category:Snake Anatomy]]

[[Category:Snake Anatomy]]

[[Category:Snake_Physiology]]

[[Category:Snake_Physiology]]