What condition is characterized by a "curtain" falling over the field of vision?

The condition characterized by a "curtain" falling over the field of vision is retinal detachment. This phenomenon occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, separates from its normal position. When this detachment happens, individuals may experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or "curtain" obscuring part of their visual field. This visual disturbance can be alarming and requires immediate medical attention, as ongoing detachment can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

In contrast, cataracts typically lead to clouding of the lens in the eye, resulting in blurry vision and glare but do not create the sensation of a curtain over the vision. Macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina (the macula) and can cause a gradual loss of central vision, but it does not present with an acute curtain-like shadow. Lastly, glaucoma involves increased pressure within the eye, often leading to peripheral vision loss over time, but does not typically produce a curtain effect in the visual field.