UVB Lighting and your Lizard
Almost all lizards (and many snakes) need to have UVB and UVA lighting (also known as full-spectrum lighting) to live a healthy and long life. UVA is contained in most lighting that is available, including basking lights. UVB lighting can be harder to come by, but is the most important. The right levels of UVB are needed for lizards to be able to absorb calcium. Like in humans, day light helps lizards to make Vitamin D3, which allows them to absorb vitamin D. This allows baby and adult lizards to grow and develop healthy bones. Without UVB lighting many reptiles will develop bone abnormalities.
Vitamin D deficiencies can cause baby lizards to have spasm, even seizures. These seizures can result in death. In a milder situation the lizards develop soft or brittle bones, which can create jaw deformities that can affect regular feeding. Many will also be stunted in growth by a lack in Vitamin D.
UVB lighting is available in both compact fluorescent and regular fluorescent bulbs. A compact hood or a fluorescent hood will need to be purchased to house the bulb. This lighting will be in addition to a basking light that produces heat for your lizard. Your lizard should also be given a vitamin supplement that contains calcium for a long and healthy life.