This review discusses experimental animal models of retinal degeneration, focusing on both genetic and induced models. Retinal degenerations are a heterogeneous group of diseases leading to progressive vision loss. With the development of new experimental therapies such as gene and cell therapy, there is an increasing need for experimental models. The review covers various animal models of human retinal degenerative diseases, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of genetic and induced models. Choosing an appropriate experimental model can aid in a pathogenetic approach to retinal disease treatment. Genetic models of retinal degeneration include conditions like retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases. Genetic models can be naturally occurring or transgenic. For example, transgenic rats with the P23H mutation in the rhodopsin gene exhibit progressive rod photoreceptor dysfunction. Another model is the RCS rat, which has a defect in the MERTK gene, leading to dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and subsequent photoreceptor cell death. Induced models are created through chemical, physical, or biological means. For instance, intravitreal injection of sodium iodate can cause retinal degeneration, while light-induced damage mimics age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These models allow for controlled study of degenerative processes and can be used to test therapeutic interventions. The review also covers other retinal degenerations, such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, and lipofuscin accumulation. Both genetic and induced models have their own strengths and limitations. Genetic models provide insights into inherited conditions, while induced models allow for controlled experimentation. However, induced models may cause systemic effects, and genetic models require significant effort to develop. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate model based on the research objectives and the mechanisms of retinal degeneration. Experimental models are crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of retinal diseases and developing new therapeutic strategies. The review highlights the role of various models in advancing research and clinical applications in retinal degeneration.This review discusses experimental animal models of retinal degeneration, focusing on both genetic and induced models. Retinal degenerations are a heterogeneous group of diseases leading to progressive vision loss. With the development of new experimental therapies such as gene and cell therapy, there is an increasing need for experimental models. The review covers various animal models of human retinal degenerative diseases, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of genetic and induced models. Choosing an appropriate experimental model can aid in a pathogenetic approach to retinal disease treatment. Genetic models of retinal degeneration include conditions like retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases. Genetic models can be naturally occurring or transgenic. For example, transgenic rats with the P23H mutation in the rhodopsin gene exhibit progressive rod photoreceptor dysfunction. Another model is the RCS rat, which has a defect in the MERTK gene, leading to dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and subsequent photoreceptor cell death. Induced models are created through chemical, physical, or biological means. For instance, intravitreal injection of sodium iodate can cause retinal degeneration, while light-induced damage mimics age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These models allow for controlled study of degenerative processes and can be used to test therapeutic interventions. The review also covers other retinal degenerations, such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease, and lipofuscin accumulation. Both genetic and induced models have their own strengths and limitations. Genetic models provide insights into inherited conditions, while induced models allow for controlled experimentation. However, induced models may cause systemic effects, and genetic models require significant effort to develop. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate model based on the research objectives and the mechanisms of retinal degeneration. Experimental models are crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of retinal diseases and developing new therapeutic strategies. The review highlights the role of various models in advancing research and clinical applications in retinal degeneration.