I did a quick google search on popeye, and I am tentatively following this, since as of right now, the male seems to be doing great, other than the fact he's got pop eye
"Eye Trauma - Trauma to the eye is usually the reason a fish has this condition when only one eye is affected. Eye trauma can be attributed to a scratch, scrape of bruise to the eye from encounters such as fighting with other fish, net abrasion, or coming into contact with a stationary object or organism in the aquarium, and may be bacterial or fungal in nature as well. In most cases where popeye occurs from eye trauma, the unsightly looking eye does not seem to affect the fish's overall good health. The fish appears to be healthy, its appetite has not diminished, and more than likely all tank readings will be normal. **My edit** Since he did have bristles sticking out of his eye, I am going to assume that as of right now, it is not bacterial or fungal related. Damn fish is still trying to spawn with the female that's in there!)
Treatment - In cases where eye trauma is involved it is suggested to not remove the fish from the aquarium, unless harassment from other fishes is becoming a threat. Handling of the fish can cause further irritation to the eye, as well as additional trauma. In most minor cases the injury will heal in time as the condition is allowed to run its course. To help aid in the continued health and healing of the fish during the course of this condition, oral feedings of foods soaked in selcon or another type of liquid vitamin, along with foods mixed with a broad spectrum antibiotic such as tetracycline, chloramphenicol or kanamycin are suggested. Eventually the eye will deflate, but may result in various conclusions."
This is what I hope happens. I hope that since water quality is not a problem, and he's eating anything and everything I put in the tank, I hope his eye deflates and he gets better. As of right now, his activity is good, no lethargy, so I am going to assume that it's not bacterial or fungal. If for some reason new symptoms develop, I will take him out and treat with an appropriate medication. I'm hoping though with good water quality, and a healthy immune system, a secondary infection will not occur. For now, I have left him in there, not wanting to pull him out and stress him out further. We will see. My fingers are crossed.
And yes, David, I mix up the water until it's cloudy. I also ordered some of the finquel so I have it on hand. After reading a study done by some of the people on the puffer forum, I personally can't and won't use clove oil for surgical anesthesia-- I just can't get over the thought of "what if?" especially if there is something out there made for fish anesthesia. Too many puffers exhibited signs of brain damage (running into glass, swimming in weird patterns, not recognizing their owners with food, etc) after 1-2 or 2-3 teeth trimmings where clove oil was used. Sorry, personal preference, I worry about the little stuff >.< ask Denzil. He could probably write you a book on how much stuff I worry over and this is one of those things.
Sorry for the novel of a post!! For now, I am going to keep an eye on him, and let nature take it's course.