I thought macular degeneration was interesting and wondered if animals too could get it and as it turns out that it is a common vision impairment in dogs. It is commonly caused by genetics but also can be from excessive exposure to sunlight, high blood pressure and obesity but most interestingly from cigarette smoke. Some symptoms they experience are the inability to climb stairs or see small treats and their food dishes. Cats do not have the issue of macular degeneration but have a different issue called retinitis where inflammation of the retina leads to degeneration and destruction of the light receptors. There are many causes for this in cats from diseases to high blood pressure and can actually lead to compete detachment of the retina from the back of the eye. This disease can affect their night vision and their central vision but can also lead to the inability to see stationary objects.