Hmmm, Here's what discuss unlimited has to say about popeye! Hope it helps POP-EYE
Popeye also known as exophthalmial. This condition is caused by a wide range of factors including, bacterial infections, parasite infrestations, poor water quality, and internal metabolic system disorders.
OBVIOUS- SYMPTOMS
One or both eyes protrude form the head in an unusual shape. I refer to fish other then gold fish some of which have been bred for this appearance. The eye lens can be cloudy white looking as well. In some cases the eye will look normal it just protrudes to much, also a white ring is sometimes noticed that circles the eye where it meets the head but the eye other wise looks ok.
OCCURRENCE OF THE SYMPTOMS
The disease usually only affects one or two fish in an aquarium, and is rarely markedly infectious however that being said. Prevention is the best part of treatment. I would move any effected fish to its own treatment tank. ( why take chances )
Sometimes the condition will persist for a short time and then may disappear without treatment other then good clean water. It is very rare that a fish will die as a direct result of this disease. If uniform numbers of fish in a tank become infected they you can suspect water qualtiy has been poor and or a infectious agent is present Below is an Oscar with popeye showing the white ring around the eye juncture with the head. Also you will note the eye clear other then the pen point of light in the center, which is just a reflection of the flash taking the photo.
Popeye can be caused by a Build up of fluid
in or behind the eyes or by the presence of . bacteria and parasitic eye flukes. The Oscar, has T.B. infection behind its eye caused by eating gold fish infected with it.
Photographs by Tetra Publications. To which I extend my thanks.
TREATMENT- RECOMMENDED
Treatment with a broad spectrum antibotic, injection is the prefered method if the problem is of a bacterial nature. There is not much other then that treatment that offers much hope for improvement. I suggest the fish be isolated and give extra clean water and varied diet. Should the fish show no improvement appear and the fish shows any sign of distress, destroy them painlessly and consider it a kindness.
Medicated food could be tried, but no studies have been done to show the effectiveness of any of the methods listed. My personal feeling is that due to the possble spread to other fish I distroy the fish as soon as the condition is noted.
On a side note to what the good doctor said in his article. I have treated popeye with frequent water changes and some added salt to the water. After several weeks of 50% water changes every 2-3 days the problem went away! I had an oscar that lost his eye after it ruptured from popeye. He lived to 14" inches though. He lost the eye when he was 3". Hope this helps!
