Name of the Condition

• Serous Retinal Detachment, Right Eye
• Also known as exudative retinal detachment.

Summary

Serous retinal detachment occurs when fluid accumulates under the retina, separating it from the underlying tissue without a retinal tear. This detachment can affect vision and may occur in one or both eyes, but this code specifically concerns the right eye.

Causes

• Inflammatory diseases such as uveitis.
• Vascular eye diseases.
• Tumors in the eye.
• Certain systemic conditions, like hypertension.

Risk Factors

• History of eye inflammation.
• Underlying systemic diseases.
• Exposure to radiation.
• Certain conditions like high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms

• Sudden appearance of floaters.
• Flashes of light in the vision.
• A shadow or curtain over part of the visual field.
• Blurred or distorted vision.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal layers.
• Ultrasound of the eye if the view inside the eye is blocked.
• Fluorescein angiography to study blood flow in the retina.

Treatment Options

• Treatment of underlying causes (e.g., anti-inflammatory medication for uveitis).
• Observation for small, asymptomatic detachments.
• Surgery like pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, or vitrectomy in severe cases or when retinal tears develop.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With timely treatment, many patients can maintain good vision.
• Risk of vision loss if untreated.
• Regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist is crucial for monitoring and managing any underlying conditions.

Complications

• Permanent vision loss.
• Development of retinal tears if not properly managed.
• Recurrence of detachment.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye exams, especially for those with risk factors.
• Control of systemic conditions like hypertension.
• Protective eyewear to prevent trauma.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention required if experiencing sudden vision changes, new floaters, flashes of light, or a "curtain" over vision.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org)
• The National Eye Institute (www.nei.nih.gov)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct laterality is coded (right eye).
• Verify any underlying or associated conditions that may need separate coding.
• Beware of coding errors related to similar types of retinal detachments.