Eye film and floater

I am 72 years old and have suddenly developed a light black film in my left eye with a large floater that looks like a large looped black thread.  It moves with eye movement but when the eye doesn't move the floater stands still across the whole view of eye. Also, every so often if I look to the left with my left eye I will see a quick flash in the left corner of the eye.   Is this something that I should wait to see if it gets better on its own or should I seek medical help.  I have never been troubled with floaters.  Thank you.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes you should see an ophthalmologist. It most likely is a posterior vitreous detachment (use archives and search to read about) but need to rule out bleeding in eye or retinal tear/detachment

JCH MD

[anthony614]

I have many floaters. Went to Opthamologist to have eyes cheched. He said my eyes are healthy and no retinal detachment. He checked and checked again but could not see any floaters. I saw and episode of the doctors and one of their guest M.D.'s  Dr.Wachler said floaters may be due to eye film debris. What is your opinion if the doctor can't see them but they do exist. John

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Many floaters, especially those close to the retina are too small for the ophthalmologist to see but easily seen by the person in whose eye they reside.
JCH MD