Popeye (exophthalmia) is the swelling of one or both eyes outward from the socket. Caused by bacterial infection, physical injury, or systemic disease.
Unilateral popeye = usually injury (rough handling, bumped on rocks). Bilateral popeye = systemic infection or poor water quality.
Multiple effective treatments exist. Pick based on your tank type, livestock sensitivity, and severity. Always treat in a separate quarantine/hospital tank - most medications are toxic to coral, invertebrates, and live rock biology.
Cover sharp rockwork, avoid chasing fish with nets, maintain pristine water quality.
One or both eyes bulging from socket. Cloudy or pus-filled eye. Eye injury or scratches.
Unilateral popeye = usually injury (rough handling, bumped on rocks). Bilateral popeye = systemic infection or poor water quality.
Epsom salt: 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons in a hospital tank for 5-7 days. Reduces swelling. Combine with clean water and rest.
Cover sharp rockwork, avoid chasing fish with nets, maintain pristine water quality.
Moderate - eye damage can be permanent if untreated
Always treat in a separate quarantine or hospital tank. Most medications are toxic to coral, invertebrates, and live rock biology.
Browse the full disease database for 45 aquarium conditions with treatment protocols, or check the care library for prevention-focused husbandry guides. Use our symptom matcher to rank likely diseases from observed signs, the water parameter checker to diagnose related water-quality issues, or the QT timeline calculator to plan a treatment schedule.