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The description of a "curtain" being pulled over the eye is most indicative of retinal detachment. This condition occurs when the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, separates from its underlying supportive tissue. Patients often report a sudden onset of visual disturbances, including the perception of a shadow or curtain that obscures vision, typically in a peripheral area of their visual field.

Retinal detachments can manifest with other symptoms, such as flashes of light or floaters, which may accompany this sensation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in order to prevent permanent vision loss, making understanding the signs and symptoms critical for both patients and practitioners.

In contrast, glaucoma typically leads to gradual vision loss and peripheral vision changes due to intraocular pressure affecting the optic nerve, but does not present with the curtain-like shadow. Cataracts result in clouding of the lens and gradual blurring of vision, while macular degeneration primarily affects central vision, causing distortion or loss, but does not present like a curtain.