What characteristic is described as a 'curtain came down' effect associated with eye symptoms?

The 'curtain came down' effect is a classic description used to characterize the visual symptom associated with retinal detachment. When a retinal detachment occurs, patients often experience a sudden onset of visual disturbances, such as the sensation of a shadow or curtain obscuring part of their vision. This phenomenon is caused by the retina separating from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, leading to the rapid loss of vision in the affected area.

In contrast, cataracts typically result in gradual blurring of vision due to clouding of the lens, but do not create a sudden shadow-like effect. Conjunctivitis presents with redness and discharge from the eye, affecting the outer surface rather than causing a curtain-like obstruction of vision. Glaucoma can lead to gradual peripheral vision loss and can sometimes present with acute symptoms, but it does not manifest in the same immediate, dramatic way as a curtain falling over the vision. Thus, the association of the 'curtain came down' effect distinctly aligns with retinal detachment.