Name of the Condition

• Transient Retinal Artery Occlusion, Bilateral

Summary

• Transient retinal artery occlusion is a temporary blockage of blood flow to both retinas, which can lead to sudden vision problems. This condition is bilateral, meaning it affects both eyes, potentially causing significant visual impairment.

Causes

• The condition may be caused by emboli or blood clots blocking the arteries. Other possible causes include arterial plaque, cardiovascular issues, and atherosclerosis.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors include advanced age, hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history of vascular diseases.

Symptoms

• Symptoms can include sudden visual loss in one or both eyes, transient episodes of blurred vision, and temporary blindness.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis may involve a comprehensive eye examination with imaging tests like fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and central retinal artery circulation time measurements.

Treatment Options

• Immediate treatment may involve ocular massage, medications to lower intraocular pressure, or anticoagulants to dissolve any clots. Long-term management depends on addressing underlying risk factors, such as controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis can vary, with some individuals experiencing full recovery of vision while others may have permanent damage. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are crucial to assess ocular health and address any systemic risk factors.

Complications

• Possible complications include permanent vision loss in one or both eyes, increased risk of recurrent episodes, and related cardiovascular events such as strokes.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and managing cardiovascular risk factors can help prevent the condition. Routine medical examinations are essential for early detection and management of any risk factors.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is critical if one experiences sudden vision loss or significant blurring in one or both eyes.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org)
• National Eye Institute (nei.nih.gov)
• Macular Degeneration Association (macularhope.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accuracy by confirming the bilateral nature of the condition when coding.
• Be cautious not to confuse this condition with other retinal vascular disorders that may involve different or unilateral ICD codes.