Name of the Condition

• Total Retinal Detachment, Bilateral
• Also known as: Bilateral Retinal Detachment, Complete Retinal Detachment in Both Eyes

Summary

• Total retinal detachment, bilateral, refers to a condition where the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, detaches from its underlying layer in both eyes. This can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.

Causes

• Retinal detachment can result from trauma, high myopia (nearsightedness), posterior vitreous detachment, or complications from conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or inflammatory disorders.

Risk Factors

• Age (more common in those over 40)
• Extreme nearsightedness
• Previous eye surgery (e.g. cataract surgery)
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Certain systemic diseases such as diabetes

Symptoms

• Sudden appearance of floaters
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision or gradual reduction in peripheral vision
• A shadow or curtain over a portion of the visual field

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Retinal photography
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• Ultrasound imaging of the eye

Treatment Options

• Laser surgery or photocoagulation: Seals the retina to the underlying tissue.
• Cryopexy (freezing treatment): Similar to laser surgery, but uses cold to fix the retina in place.
• Scleral buckle surgery: A silicone band is placed around the eye to hold the retina in place.
• Vitrectomy: Removing the vitreous gel to relieve traction on the retina.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis depends on the severity and duration before treatment.
• Early intervention usually leads to better visual outcomes.
• Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor for recurrence or complications.

Complications

• Untreated retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.
• Recurrence, especially if the underlying cause was not addressed.
• Possible progression to proliferative vitreoretinopathy, a more complicated form of detachment.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye exams, especially if at high risk.
• Protecting the eyes from injuries.
• Managing underlying health issues like diabetes to prevent secondary complications.
• Controlling high blood pressure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is needed if there are sudden onset symptoms such as floaters, flashes, or shadows in the vision.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: aao.org
• Retina Society: retinasociety.org
• National Eye Institute: nei.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Use ICD-10 code H33.053 for documenting bilateral total retinal detachment.
• Double-check patient records for accurate laterality and complete documentation of detachment type.
• Beware of confusing total detachment with partial detachment codes.