Several dog breeds carry high rates of inherited eye conditions that cause pain and vision loss, demanding genetic screening programs and responsible breeding practices.
Hereditary eye diseases represent preventable suffering on a large scale. Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual blindness that, while painless, significantly disrupts dogs' ability to navigate their environment, especially in low light. Dogs going blind show anxiety and behavioral changes as their world becomes increasingly uncertain. Hereditary cataracts cause visual impairment and may progress to glaucoma, a very painful condition. Genetic testing before breeding reduces the prevalence of these conditions in future generations.