What condition is indicated by swollen eyelids and conjunctivitis in turtles?

Swollen eyelids and conjunctivitis in turtles are indicative of hypovitaminosis A. This condition results from a deficiency in vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining the health of epithelial tissues, including those in the eyes. When turtles do not receive adequate vitamin A, they can experience symptoms such as swollen eyelids, discharge, and overall ocular discomfort due to impaired immune function and the integrity of their tissues.

In reptiles, especially turtles, vitamin A is essential for various physiological functions, including vision, skin health, and immune responses. A deficiency can lead to more severe health issues if not addressed promptly, as it affects their ability to maintain healthy tissues that protect against infections.

While vitamin C deficiency and fungal infections can also cause changes in the appearance of the eyes or skin, they typically do not present with the same combination of swollen eyelids and conjunctivitis as seen in hypovitaminosis A. African Swine Fever is unrelated to turtle health and is a disease that specifically affects pigs, making it irrelevant in this context. Therefore, the symptoms described strongly correlate with a vitamin A deficiency in turtles.