Which condition is a common cause of vision changes requiring referral?

• A. Cataract
• B. Retinal detachment
• C. Dry eye
• D. Conjunctivitis

Answer: (B)

Sudden changes in vision are a red flag that often signal a sight-threatening problem needing urgent evaluation. The condition that fits this pattern best is retinal detachment. It happens when a tear in the retina allows fluid to seep under it, causing the retina to peel away from the back of the eye. The hallmark symptoms are a sudden unilateral loss of vision, flashes of light, new floaters, and sometimes a curtain or shadow creeping across the field of vision. Because delaying treatment can lead to permanent blindness, this requires rapid referral to ophthalmology or emergency care, ideally within 24 hours.

Cataract, by contrast, usually causes gradual, painless blurring and glare over months to years and is typically managed electively, not as an emergency. Dry eye can cause irritation and fluctuating vision but does not usually produce a sudden, total vision change. Conjunctivitis presents with redness and discharge and, while uncomfortable, typically does not cause abrupt vision loss and is not a reflex for urgent specialty referral unless there are other concerning signs.