Snap Shot A 65-year-old man presents with sudden vision loss in which he describes the event as "a curtain lowered over my eye." This was preceded by seeing "floaters." Introduction Pathophysiology separation of neurosensory layer of retina from pigment epithelium without the support of pigment epithelium the photoreceptors degenerate Risk factors trauma diabetes severe myopia cataract surgery Presentation Symptoms painless, sudden vision loss photopsia (sudden flashes or light) "floaters" in the visual field extent of retinal detachment can be assessed by the number of floaters present Physical exam gray, elevated retina Treatment Surgical laser reattachment of the retina Prognosis, Prevention, and Complications Permanent vision loss if not rapidly repaired