Three main symptoms of retinal detachment?

• A. Flashes, new floaters, and a curtain-like loss of vision
• B. Eye pain, redness, tearing
• C. Loss of peripheral color vision
• D. Double vision only

Answer: (A)

Retinal detachment typically presents with a sudden, painless change in vision, and the most recognizable combination is flashes, new floaters, and a curtain-like loss of vision. The flashes happen when the vitreous pulls on the retina as it begins to detach. New floaters arise from debris in the vitreous or from the tearing retina becoming more suspended in the eye. The curtain effect describes a shadow or veil advancing across the visual field as more of the retina separates from its outer layer. This combination is a medical emergency because timely treatment is needed to reattach the retina and prevent permanent vision loss.

Eye pain, redness, and tearing point more toward inflammatory or infectious eye conditions like conjunctivitis or uveitis. Loss of peripheral color vision isn’t a typical sign of retinal detachment and would raise concern for other optic or retinal problems. Double vision is usually related to misalignment of the eyes or nerve problems rather than RD.