Some years ago, I had a "blotch" - not a floater - in one eye. As soon as I described it to my ophthalmologist, she referred me to a retina specialist for evaluation. It was not a retina tear, but a small injury in the cornea, which eventually healed. But the specialist very emphatically told me that these things should not be ignored. A few months later, one of my employees was experiencing flashes and a blotch. At his wife's and my urging, he saw a specialist who was able to treat a retinal tear and prevent complete blindness in the eye. He was told if he waited for it to get worse, they probably could not have saved his sight. I suggest you ask ophthalmologist or optometrist for a referral.
Sue

@tennisgolf
The stationary floater was sudden…noticed it at work on a Friday.
I was not experiencing flashing lights until, after the surgery, I was doing something vigorous like cleaning up after a small puppy. Saw the retina guy again and he told me I had some leakage but was able to correct that by laser. He shot about 20 or so laser beans at my eye. I remember feeling like my eye was being hit with bullets or something. So, if the surgeon says do not drive for a period of time and avoid bending over etc. …listen to him or her. Also had to sleep with a plastic eye shield for a while and was off work for six weeks.

If you need surgery because it is a retinal tear…it will be more complicated the longer you wait. I had a sclera buckle done at the time which essentially is a piece of silicone or titanium material that pushes the sclera back towards the tear or break…sort of like attaching them together. That was the only thing I needed at that time and I remember not even wanting a second opinion. I lucked out in my choice of the initial ophthalmologist and the surgeon.

FL Mary