Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy describes a group of inherited conditions in which the light-sensing cells at the back of the eye gradually stop working. The retina, which converts light into signals the brain can interpret, slowly loses function over months to years, and this process cannot currently be reversed. Owners often first notice changes in dim light or unfamiliar places—a dog may hesitate on evening walks, bump into furniture after dark, or seem less confident navigating new environments. In familiar settings, many animals adapt so well that the change can go unnoticed for some time. The pupils may appear more dilated than usual, and in some cases a shine or reflective change is visible in the eye. This page explores what these changes can look like in day-to-day life, what is happening within the retina as cells deteriorate, how the condition is identified through examination and testing, and what approaches exist to support an affected animal as vision declines.