Which symptom is a classic feature of retinal detachment?

• A. Specks of floating before eye, flashes of light, blurred vision, & curtain over eye
• B. Eye infection
• C. Ear fullness
• D. Double vision

Answer: (A)

Recognizing the sudden onset of floaters and flashes of light with a progressive, painless loss of vision in part of the field is the hallmark of retinal detachment. The combination of specks or spots drifting in the vision (floaters), brief bursts of light (photopsia), and a curtain-like area of vision loss reflects the retina separating from underlying tissue and obstructing part of the visual field. This condition is typically painless and unilateral, making it a classic red flag that requires urgent ophthalmologic evaluation to prevent permanent vision loss. Other options don’t fit this pattern: eye infection usually brings redness, pain, and discharge; ear fullness is unrelated to the eye; double vision points to ocular motor or neurologic problems rather than retinal detachment.