What are the key symptoms of retinal detachment?

• A. Sudden painless vision loss, curtain effect, floaters, flashes
• B. Gradual blurring over months
• C. Eye itching
• D. Double vision

Answer: (A)

Retinal detachment presents as an urgent, one-eyed problem with sudden, painless loss of vision. The classic signs include a curtain or shadow sweeping across part of the visual field, plus new floaters and flashes of light. Floaters come from changes in the vitreous as it tugs on the retina, while flashes (photopsia) are caused by traction during detachment. This combination—sudden painless vision loss with a curtain-like defect and accompanying floaters and flashes—fits retinal detachment best.

Other options don’t match this pattern. Gradual blurring over months points toward cataract or macular problems, eye itching suggests conjunctivitis or allergies, and double vision implies a problem with eye alignment or nerve function rather than the retina. Retinal detachment is an ophthalmic emergency, so urgent evaluation is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.