Is flashlight dangerous to eyes?

I'v photographed my snake a few times with flash and I am wondering if its dangerous for their eyes?

I don't know that there's any scientific studies as to actual physical damage to their eyes, & I wouldn't look for any research, any time soon- but I'm sure it "hurts" their eyes the same as it does our own, & it's certainly annoying & most likely frightening to them. Not pleasant, that's for sure.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I don't know that there's any scientific studies as to actual physical damage to their eyes, & I wouldn't look for any research, any time soon- but I'm sure it "hurts" their eyes the same as it does our own, & it's certainly annoying & most likely frightening to them. Not pleasant, that's for sure.

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Yes I've done it only a couple times and won't do it again but I wasn't sure since they can't close their eyes.

I would imagine they have a built in protection being they can't shut their eyes. Kinda like auditory exclusion we have to protect our hearing in high stress situations. Think of a police officer being in a shooting. Gun shots are little pops in such a situation instead of loud ear ringing nosies like if you're just shooting for fun.

Interesting question.

I would imagine it hurts like it does for humans. Their eyes are adapted for darkness and they instinctively hide from bright light. Not sure if it's ever been shown scientifically to cause harm but I just assume that it does. They can't close their eyes I never shine any kind of light at my BP's eyes that I wouldn't be comfortable staring at directly myself. Since he's an albino and he lacks melanin to protect his eyes I am especially careful with exposing him to bright light and I try to avoid it whenever possible.

I don’t think a few seconds of bright light from a camera flash will hurt your snake. I’ve used a flash many times when photographing my snakes and they don’t flinch or seem the least bit bothered.