Name of the Condition

• Other Retinoschisis and Retinal Cysts, Bilateral
• Medical Term: H33.193

Summary

• Retinoschisis is a condition where there is a splitting of the retinal layers, often leading to vision problems. When bilateral, it means both eyes are affected. Retinal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the retina, potentially impacting eyesight.

Causes

• Retinoschisis is often caused by genetic factors, with the most common form being X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. Retinal cysts may arise due to retinal dystrophies or as a secondary condition to other retinal issues.

Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition (family history of retinoschisis)
• Age (most common in children and young adults for X-linked forms)
• Gender (males are primarily affected by X-linked juvenile retinoschisis)

Symptoms

• Decreased vision or blurry vision
• Presence of floaters in the vision field
• Difficulty with night vision

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to view retinal layers
• Electroretinogram (ERG) to assess retinal function

Treatment Options

• Regular monitoring for changes in the retina
• In some cases, laser therapy may be used to fortify the retina
• Surgical intervention for complications like retinal detachment

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The condition can be stable but requires lifelong monitoring
• Regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist are crucial to manage any changes or complications

Complications

• Retinal detachment
• Progressive vision loss
• Vitreous hemorrhage

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye check-ups to monitor eye health
• Genetic counseling if there's a family history
• Maintaining overall eye health through a balanced diet and protection against UV light

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden change in vision or onset of new visual disturbances
• Experience of flashes of light or a shadow over part of the visual field

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org)
• Foundation Fighting Blindness (fightingblindness.org)
• Retina International (retina-international.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure bilateral involvement is documented for accurate coding
• Verify documentation distinguishes between retinoschisis and other retinal conditions
• Avoid confusion with unilateral conditions by reviewing both eyes' diagnosis status