Water Turtle's eye (top half) is red and puffy

crimson_lotus said:

I've noticed my water turtle's eyes, only the top of them, have become gradually red and puffy over the past week.

Now, I did buy him a new basking light last week (MVB, not coil) with the same wattage as the light he already had (100w) at the same distance to the basking spot. Even so, perhaps the UV output is stronger and may have burned the top of his eyes? What do you think?

It's the only new variable. If so, I can just try a lower wattage bulb or a different brand, as I think the one before was a Powersun and the new one had some sort of sketchy Chinese packaging/mis-spellings that I bought from Amazon.

Sorry for the low quality pictures, he is a wiggler and always active. He gave me a heart attack minutes before by having a large piece of shrimp stuck in his throat, which I promptly ripped out.

Attaching his basking area and a before pic as well.

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Moozillion said:

I wish I knew what to say, bu I haven't had experience with this. But this is good to know, and I will be following.
Wishing you best of luck!

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Markw84 said:

Although I do not like the MVB lights, at the distance you have it, I cannot see it causing the problem. Plus from the pictures it does not look like photokerato conjuctivitis. I would think it more of a vitamin A deficiency. Be sure the pellets you use is fortified with vitamin A. Orange or yellow colored, or Dark greens like the darkest part of romaine is good too, but young turtles do not seem to take to their "vegetables" so well. Your sabine map would fall into that category. But Vit A overdose can cause the same symptom - so be sure the diet does include beta carotene but do not overdo it. Never let a vet inject vitamin A. Its just too risky that way and often causes overdose. Just ensure good diet.

Looking at your setup, I would also say there is a good chance of another cause. Low humidity can also cause eye problems. They type of basking area you provide, along with the use of the MVB would be the first thing I would change. A more isolated from water basking area with hot light overhead will create that low humidity and can certainly lead to this type eye issue. I always use a turtle dock style basking platform in the water area. Sabine Maps are avid baskers, and using an area that dries too much is not a good idea.

I also like the basking area to extend over some water area. Turtles do float bask a lot. They love to hang in plants near the surface and bask. UV penetrates water well and this is a common basking routine that also keep the turtle from drying so much as having to always haul completely out.

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