Which condition has symptoms that include flashes of light in the corner of the eye?

Flashes of light, particularly in the corner of the eye, are a classic symptom associated with retinal detachment. This condition occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, separates from its underlying supportive tissue. Patients may describe seeing sudden flashes or spots of light (known as photopsia), which often precede more serious symptoms such as a curtain-like shadow across the field of vision. The occurrence of these flashes is indicative of changes in the vitreous body, which can pull on the retina and lead to detachment.

In contrast, macular degeneration typically affects central vision and may cause distortions or blind spots, but it does not commonly present with flashes of light. Cataracts generally cause blurred vision and difficulty with glare rather than sudden light phenomena. Glaucoma can lead to peripheral vision loss and halos around lights, but flashing lights are more associated with retinal issues like detachment rather than this increased intraocular pressure condition. Thus, the presence of flashes of light strongly points to retinal detachment as the correct diagnosis.