When to consult
Eye floaters and flashes in the eye are an urgent matter for your optometrist, especially if they appear suddenly. They often signal retinal detachments, which could cause blindness.
You should always mention any vision changes or eye problems, whether floaters or something else, to your optometrist during your regular exams, so you can be referred to an ophthalmologist if necessary. Floaters are occasionally only visible during eye exams, especially if they are close to your retina.