Name of the Condition

• Retinal Vasculitis, Right Eye

Summary

Retinal vasculitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels of the retina in the right eye. It can lead to vision changes and, if untreated, potential vision loss.

Causes

Retinal vasculitis can be caused by autoimmune diseases, infections, or can be idiopathic (unknown cause). Common associated conditions include Behçet’s disease, lupus, and sarcoidosis.

Risk Factors

• Existing autoimmune disorders
• Infections (e.g., tuberculosis, syphilis)
• Smoking
• Family history of autoimmune diseases

Symptoms

• Blurred vision in the right eye
• Eye redness or pain
• Floaters or flashes of light
• Vision loss in severe cases

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Fluorescein angiography to visualize blood flow in the retina
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal structure
• Blood tests to rule out systemic causes

Treatment Options

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Immunosuppressive drugs in cases related to autoimmune conditions
• Antiviral or antibiotic treatment if an infectious cause is identified
• Laser therapy or surgery in severe cases to repair retinal damage

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many patients can maintain stable vision, though regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor for relapses or complications.

Complications

• Chronic vision impairment
• Retinal detachment
• Macular edema
• Neovascularization

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye exams for early detection
• Smoking cessation
• Controlling underlying health conditions
• Staying updated with vaccinations to prevent infections

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical attention if experiencing sudden vision changes, persistent eye redness, pain, or new floaters/flashes.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: www.aao.org
• The Foundation Fighting Blindness: www.fightingblindness.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the laterality of the condition (right eye) is specified in documentation.
• Double-check for the presence of any underlying systemic disease that may require additional coding.
• Avoid confusing with similar retinal conditions by carefully reviewing the ophthalmologist's notes.