Popeye has two primary origins. One is gas build up behind the eye (not that common) and the other is an inflammatory response to a bacterial infection, usually of or around the optic nerve.
The fish could overcome the infection with proper care and nutrition or it can die. Since an amazing number of people don't actually provide the proper nutrition, there are more deaths from this condition than there should be. An eating fish doesn't mean it is healthy nor getting the best nutrition. See: Feeding Marine Fish and Fish Nutrition
You have two choices. Get the fish out and treat with antibiotics or do nothing and hope for the best.![]()
If you choose the latter and the fish is still eating, then try to get the best foods into the fish according to the above reference AND include immune boosters in the diet along with the vitamin and fat supplements. See: Fish Immune Boosters
Also, if the fish is still eating, there are food preparations that contain medications for infection. These are 'better than nothing' but the food itself is of dubious value.
After a stressful experience, such as with a disease outbreak, secondary bacterial infections are avoided by a nutritious diet, reducing stress on the fish, the best water quality, and the optimal environment. With these in the fish's arsenal, fighting off a bacterial infection is something they naturally do.
If your fish is one of the unlucky ones with gas being the cause of the Popeye, then a surgical procedure could relieve the pressure. Most hobbyists don't or won't do this.



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