small black spot

I have a small black spot which seems to be in the center of my right eye (like the size of a fruit fly). What could the cause of this be? Is it serious?

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear pauca,

A sudden onset of a black spot especially centrally should be examined by an eyeMD immediately.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[Moderator08]

I have had the same thing since May.  Have been to an opthamologist 3 times.  He calls it a "floater," and says it is common.  Needs to be checked as could be symptom of detached retina.