Help, Russian tort eye problem??

Hi all this is my first post I’m looking for advice. I have a 10 month old (ish) Russian (horse field) tortoise. Ever since I got him he’s had eyes that look different to all of the pictures I see online of torts. I guess that they’re smaller and more sunk in. Not a black ‘bead’ if you get me but more like a black speck. I’ll try and add pictures. he seems to be able to see perfectly fine and is in great health, very active climbing burying, eating a lot and I bathe him and make sure he has plenty of water. He’s looked like this ever since I got him at 5 months old, is this normal am I just being paranoid?

Curious.
Can you post photos of your lighting?

ZEROPILOT said:

Curious.
Can you post photos of your lighting?

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I have a mercury vapour bulb with both types of light needed. It looks ridiculously bright in the picture but it’s just poor lighting.

abbykimberley said:

I have a mercury vapour bulb with both types of light needed. It looks ridiculously bright in the picture but it’s just poor lighting.

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That would be very harsh for some species. (Like a Redfoot).However, I can't say if that would harm a Russians eyes.
It was just a theory.
However, those wood shavings I see CAN cause several issues. Especially if it's something like pine or spruce.
Swap that out ASAP.

ZEROPILOT said:

That would be very harsh for some species. (Like a Redfoot).However, I can't say if that would harm a Russians eyes.
It was just a theory.
However, those wood shavings I see CAN cause several issues. Especially if it's something like pine or spruce.
Swap that out ASAP.

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thankyou ! I only put that in yesterday actually so I’ll make sure to take it out but that means it can’t have been what’s doing the damage can I just confirm that these don’t look like normal tortoises eyes and I’m not just overthinking it? Every picture I see their eyes are bright and black and my baby’s eyes and just sunken and tiny. It’s been like that since I got him from the breeder do you think it’s a problem from birth or?

What is the overall humidty/temps inside your enclosure and how often do you soak. Russians are very hardy so yours may have had a few prior to you getting him. DITTO on the substrate. The orchid bark (Fir Bark fine grade) is very pricey in the small bags and large bulk bags and generally found at local garden stores-It is the best for moisture control/walking over/looking nice. Cypress mulch is good just sift the bag first as there may be plastics and other debris inside, BUT is much cheaper and more readily found. A CHE or Radiant Heat panel would be better for heat and for light a 5000k led bulb (no red waves). I use a Zilla UVB Fluorescent Bulb 18 inch for the UVB. Good luck and don't hestitate to ask any question- a stupid question is the one that goes unasked when it could help you!

Do you soak your tortoise in shallow warm water every day? I would try gently pouring warm water over the tortoise's eye a few times during soaking. I am wondering if perhaps the tortoises has some kind of debris in its eyes. Is your substrate dry and dusty?

They do look a bit puffy.

abbykimberley said:

thankyou ! I only put that in yesterday actually so I’ll make sure to take it out but that means it can’t have been what’s doing the damage can I just confirm that these don’t look like normal tortoises eyes and I’m not just overthinking it? Every picture I see their eyes are bright and black and my baby’s eyes and just sunken and tiny. It’s been like that since I got him from the breeder do you think it’s a problem from birth or?

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They don't look normal to me either as you are suspecting. Since they have been this way since you got him at 5 months old, it happened at the breeders. Did you ask about the eyes when you got him? Some folks on this forum have had very bad luck with the coiled lights actually causing problems, described like your little guys eyes. Perhaps the breeder used the coiled lights which might have caused this. Luckily he seems to get along fine and obviously can find his water and food.