What is it with animals with the titles "[something] sand [animal]" always looking ridiculous

I am just speculating here, but maybe since these animals live in sandy areas prone to sandstorms, there is a practical use to having eyes that look like this. Not only is visilibity drastically reduced during sandstorms, but you would also need small eyes to help against its many negative effects. Snakes, in particular, do not really use their eyes as much as they do vibrations on the ground, so big eyes are even more optional for them on such an environment.