What is a clinical sign of retinal detachment?

A relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) is a significant clinical sign of retinal detachment. This condition indicates a difference in the neurological response of the pupils when exposed to light. In cases of retinal detachment, especially when it involves the macula, the afferent pathway from the affected eye can be compromised, resulting in a defect that is detectable during a pupillary light reflex examination.

With RAPD, when light is alternated between the affected and unaffected eye, the affected eye will exhibit a less pronounced constriction compared to the unaffected eye, which is a direct reflection of reduced visual integrity in the affected retina. This sign is clinically important, as it can suggest a need for urgent intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.

The other options may relate to different ocular conditions but are not definitive clinical signs of retinal detachment in the same way as RAPD. Persistent redness might indicate conjunctival or other surface eye issues, increased intraocular pressure is more associated with glaucoma or other pathologies, and visible floaters can occur in various conditions, including posterior vitreous detachment or other benign changes, but they are not exclusive indicators of retinal detachment.