Name of the Condition

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus with Moderate Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy with Macular Edema, Bilateral
• Also known as: Type 1 diabetes with diabetic eye disease and swelling in the central retina of both eyes.

Summary

• This condition involves Type 1 diabetes leading to moderate damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina of both eyes, accompanied by swelling in the central part of the retina, known as macular edema. It can affect vision and requires vigilant management to prevent further complications.

Causes

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood glucose levels damaging retinal blood vessels over time.

Risk Factors

• Poor blood sugar control.
• Duration of diabetes; the longer the diabetes is present, the higher the risk.
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
• Smoking and sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms

• Blurred or fluctuating vision.
• Dark or empty areas in vision.
• Difficulty recognizing faces or reading texts.
• Vision changes that may worsen over time.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination including dilation to allow a closer look at the back of the eye.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess macular edema.
• Fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood circulation in the retina.

Treatment Options

• Control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
• Anti-VEGF injections to reduce macular edema.
• Laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further damage.
• Corticosteroid injections for swelling.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Early detection and treatment can slow progression and preserve vision.
• Ongoing management of diabetes is crucial for long-term eye health.
• Regular eye exams to monitor changes and adapt treatment as needed.

Complications

• If untreated, can progress to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and severe vision loss.
• Potential risk of blindness if the macular edema progresses.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain strict blood sugar control through diet, exercise, and medication.
• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Quit smoking.
• Regular eye examinations, especially if experiencing vision changes.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in vision or severe vision impairment.
• Eye pain or redness not associated with a known condition.
• New onset of floaters or dark spots.

Additional Resources

• American Diabetes Association: diabetes.org
• American Academy of Ophthalmology: aao.org
• JDRF - Type 1 Diabetes Research Funding and Advocacy: jdrf.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm documentation specifies bilateral involvement.
• Ensure the presence of both moderate nonproliferative retinopathy and macular edema is clearly stated.
• Avoid confusion with other stages or types of diabetic retinopathy when coding.