• There are three common eye problems that affect German shepherds.german shepherd image by Vaida from Fotolia.com
  
  The German shepherd is a versatile breed that, according to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, excels in competitions such as agility, herding and tracking, and counts companion, protector and working dog among its many roles. The German shepherd is prone to a number of hereditary issues, among them eye problems. The most common eye problems affecting German shepherds are progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia and chronic superficial keratitis, according to Go Pets America.
  
  

Chronic Superficial Keratitis

• Chronic superficial keratitis, also known as pannus, is an inflammation of the corneal surface. Pannus mainly affects German shepherds but border collies, Belgian Tervurens and greyhounds also can get the disease. Pannus causes white blood cells, scar tissue, blood vessels and pigment to infiltrate the dog's cornea, according to breeders Royalair. Pannus affects young to middle-aged dogs and can cause blindness in the most severe cases. There is no cure for pannus, but owners can treat the dog to prevent future flare-ups.
  
  

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

• Progressive retinal atrophy is a deterioration of a dog's retinal cells and affects all breeds of dogs, though some, such as the German shepherd, are more prone than others. This disease causes failing night vision in young dogs and puppies, and often progresses toward complete blindness, according to the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada. Progressive retinal atrophy is untreatable, and once blind, affected German shepherds require extra care until they adjust.
  
  

Retinal Dysplasia

• Retinal dysplasia is a malformation of the dog's retina and is present at birth. This defect causes poor eyesight or, in more serious cases, blindness. While diagnosis sometimes occurs at birth, some dogs do not show the defect until their eyes have grown more, at around 6 months of age, according to Provet. Breeders prevent the spread of the malformation by not breeding dogs afflicted with this condition.