What is the primary symptom of retinal detachment?

The primary symptom of retinal detachment is the experience of floaters and flashes of light. This phenomenon occurs because the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, is being pulled away from its normal position. When this happens, patients may notice abrupt changes in their vision, such as sudden onset of floaters (small particles that create shadows on the retina) or flashes of light resulting from the retina being stimulated inappropriately.

These visual disturbances are often early signs of retinal detachment and should prompt immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss. Other symptoms, such as a sensation of a curtain falling over part of the visual field or a sudden decrease in vision, may also occur but are not as immediately characteristic as floaters and flashes of light.

Increased sensitivity to light is not a classic symptom of retinal detachment, nor are severe headaches or redness and swelling of the eye typical symptoms. Such symptoms may point to other eye conditions or issues, but they do not relate to the hallmark signs of retinal detachment.