What is a common visual sensation reported by clients with retinal detachment?

Clients with retinal detachment often experience flashes of light, a phenomenon arising from the mechanical stimulation of the retina as it pulls away from its normal position. These flashes can feel like they are coming from within the eye and may be brief or intermittent. This visual sensation is typically described as "photopsia." It occurs due to the irritation of the remaining retinal cells when they are subjected to tugging or stress from the detaching areas. While other options like blurriness or double vision can occur due to various factors, they are not as specifically associated with retinal detachment as flashes of light are. Altered color perception may also occur in different conditions but is not a hallmark symptom of retinal detachment. Therefore, the experience of flashes of light serves as a significant indicator of potential retinal issues, making it a critical symptom for patients to report to their healthcare providers.