its actually a good preventive measure to treat any new snake for mites when getting them home. also if you have others already, keep the new ones quarantined for 3 to 6 months in a different room. usually when a ball is soaking for that long its because they have mites, the bowl against them gives them a false sense of security ( more so then their hide ), or the air in their enclosure is too dry. some balls like to soak a lot but don't usually spend days in their bowls.

as far as the RI thing goes i cant help you there as none of mine have ever had one so i have no experience there.

btw. cloudy eyes is not the only sine of shedding. also you will notice their skin feels dryer ( almost crisp ) compared to normal and their bellies will turn a pinkish red hue. occasionally they can be pretty grumpy during this stage.