hey. i would say that your snakes eyes wouldnt be damaged from you turning on the light. it probably just startled him. i find when my snake is out when its dark, he allways goes back into hiding if i go in my room and turn the light on. so now i allways check wether hes out before turning on the light so as not to disturb him. if hes out il just put the light on out in the hall and only open my door slightly so i dont let too much light in and i can still see what im doing.
i would worry about it though mate. sounds normal to me!
:cheers: