Don't don't DON'T go anywhere near the eye with a sharp object...please! The risks you take doing that steeply outweigh the risk of just leaving a retained eyecap to come off with the next shed.


You say you don't think the soaking and warm, wet towel method will work in this case...but have you tried it yet? That's one that can't hurt to try...but if you go at it with something sharp, you could literally puncture the eye or lance it. NOT worth it!!

It sounds to me like this snake would be best off being seen by an experienced herp vet. He would know what to do about the eyecap and have had experience removing them by hand. He would also be able to look at the eye and see if there's any sort of infection going on there...which it sounds like there may be. That could be far more serious and in need of attention than a retained cap. ALSO....given the condition of the snake when you got it...it's highly likely to be loaded with internal parasites and will need treatment for those as well in order to grow and thrive.

At the very least......at least give the snake a chance to go through a complete shed cycle in your care to see if it can shed the eyecap off itself. But I strongly, strongly recommend you get it to a vet soon.

Good luck with it.