What is a typical feature of retinal detachment?

Flashes of light are a typical feature of retinal detachment because they are caused by the movement of the retina as it becomes detached from the underlying layers of the eye. When the retina is pulled or tugged during this separation, it can stimulate the photoreceptors and produce the perception of light, even in the absence of actual external light stimuli. This phenomenon is often referred to as "photopsia" and is an early warning sign that patients may experience. Recognizing these flashes can be crucial for prompt medical evaluation and treatment, potentially preventing further vision loss associated with the progression of a retinal detachment.

Other features, such as visual loss and field defects, may occur but are typically not the earliest signs of the condition. Thus, flashes of light are specifically indicative of the type of disturbance occurring in the retina itself, making it a key feature of retinal detachment.