Symptoms. A detached retina does not cause pain. Symptoms include seeing flashes of light (in one or both eyes), a sudden increase in floaters, blurred vision, decreased peripheral vision, or noticing a shadow or curtain over the visual field. Floaters occur when clumps of the vitreous gel cast shadows on the retina. They can appear as specks, dots, strings or clouds moving through the visual field. Symptoms of a retinal detachment can come on gradually or may occur suddenly.
