15 Aging Dogs That Often Face Serious Eye Issues

Dog lovers often notice how age softens their pets in quiet ways. Over time, certain changes call for a closer look, especially when they involve eyesight. Some breeds may need extra attention to keep their view of the world clear. These breeds tend to face more vision issues with age.

Pekingese

Blurry vision isn’t always easy to spot in this flat-faced breed. Shallow sockets and facial folds leave the cornea vulnerable to injury. Older dogs may start blinking or squinting during outdoor walks in bright or breezy conditions. Prescribed ointments help ease discomfort and prevent more significant problems from forming.

Siberian Husky

Veterinarians recommend eye testing for Huskies during adulthood, regardless of visible symptoms. Cataracts and corneal dystrophy may develop well before gray hairs. Though their light eyes grab attention, they can also signal risk. Catching cloudiness or shifting behavior early makes it easier to manage long-term vision health.

American Cocker Spaniel

What looks like mild blinking may signal underlying eye conditions. Glaucoma and cataracts show up frequently in this breed, especially with age. Because signs don’t always appear early, routine checks are key. Keeping up with vet visits helps reduce the chance of missing serious internal pressure changes.

Shih Tzu

Dust or a quick swipe from a paw can easily injure their unprotected eyes. Vision loss might sneak up in the form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or recurrent corneal ulcers. Cloudy spots that linger or repeat squinting should raise a red flag — particularly in seniors who still act puppyish.

Labrador Retriever

Some dogs hesitate in low light, where visual clarity declines with age. Labs are prone to inherited cataracts and PRA, which sneak up slowly over the years. Owners may not notice anything until their vision is already compromised. Starting vet-monitored eye exams in middle age helps catch the shift.

Poodle

Vision problems in Poodles aren’t just surface-level. Hereditary cataracts can occur in any size—toy, miniature, or standard. PRA affects the smaller varieties more often, sometimes leading to gradual blindness. Some dogs also experience pressure buildup behind cataracts, making routine testing critical for keeping sight stable longer.

German Shepherd

Outdoor play may reveal subtle signs of vision decline beyond regular activity. Pannus may be to blame if a Shepherd starts veering off track or hesitating in bright sun. This corneal condition, worsened by UV exposure, appears with age. PRA adds another layer of concern and makes early intervention critical for long-term care.

Boston Terrier

Maintaining moisture in their large, round eyes can be a constant challenge. When the cornea dries out, ulcers may develop—especially in older dogs. Cataracts and cherry eye can also appear, adding to the discomfort. Daily attention to their eyes helps prevent lasting damage and supports smoother aging.

Lhasa Apso

Vision trouble can stay hidden under that long fringe. Tight-set eyes combined with thick facial hair may mask signs of cataracts or PRA. An Apso bumping into doorways or freezing up in the dark might not just be clumsy — a thorough check-up could expose what casual glances miss.

Golden Retriever

Nighttime walks sometimes reveal hesitation that doesn’t appear during the day. Golden Retrievers are genetically wired for conditions like PRA and cataracts, which creep in over the years. Some owners don’t realize vision is fading until the dog struggles in dim light. Knowing what to watch for makes it easier to respond in time.

Bulldog

Wrinkle-lined eyes need more upkeep than most. Moisture and debris settle into the skin folds, raising the chances of dry eye, redness, and cherry eye. Pawing at the face or showing reluctance to open eyes wide could mean irritation. Regular cleaning can make a significant difference as they grow older.

Chinese Crested Dog

Shifts in how they chase toys or follow movement can hint at developing vision problems. Chinese Cresteds are more likely to develop PRA and lens issues as they age. Dogs in excellent overall health are still at risk of gradual vision loss. Examining behavior rather than appearance gives the first reliable clue something’s off.

Australian Cattle Dog

Even confident dogs can miss a step when PRA creeps in. Night vision usually goes first, which isn’t always obvious. These dogs may still act sure-footed, even when their depth perception slips. Evening routines and dim-light responses reveal the vision loss that’s been building beneath the surface.

Dachshund

A bump here, a hesitation there — things that once seemed quirky might point to vision trouble. Long-haired Dachshunds, in particular, are linked to a specific type of PRA. The condition appears gradually and quietly. Shifts in how a dog approaches familiar spaces can signal aging-related vision trouble.

Border Collie

Instinctive focus is one of their strengths, which makes slight changes easier to notice. PRA is a known risk in this breed, and some carry genes for Collie Eye Anomaly. Even if symptoms show late, keeping up with testing lets these active dogs steer through their world with sharp precision.