Name of the Condition

• Retinal Telangiectasis, Bilateral
• Also known as Macular Telangiectasia or Juxtafoveal Telangiectasia.

Summary

• Retinal telangiectasis is a rare eye disorder characterized by abnormal widening or leaking of blood vessels in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. When it occurs bilaterally, it affects both eyes.

Causes

• The exact cause is unknown, but it may include genetic factors and vascular abnormalities. It is not typically associated with infection or lifestyle choices.

Risk Factors

• Age, especially adults in their fifth to seventh decade of life.
• Family history of retinal diseases.
• Certain genetic predispositions.

Symptoms

• Blurred or distorted vision.
• Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail.
• Metamorphopsia (vision distortion).
• Central vision loss, particularly affecting the ability to distinguish colors.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal layer thickness.
• Fluorescein angiography to identify blood vessel abnormalities.

Treatment Options

• Currently, no cure exists, but treatments focus on managing symptoms and preventing progression.
• Anti-VEGF injections may reduce retinal swelling.
• Laser therapy might be employed to seal leaking blood vessels.
• Low-vision aids can improve quality of life.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The progression is generally slow but variable.
• Regular ophthalmic examinations are necessary to monitor changes and adapt the treatment plan.

Complications

• Without management, significant vision loss could occur, affecting daily activities like reading and driving.
• Risk of developing choroidal neovascularization (CNV), an abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• No specific lifestyle changes are known to prevent the condition.
• Regular eye check-ups can help in early detection and management.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in vision.
• Noticeable distortion, blurring, or loss of central vision.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org)
• Macular Disease Foundation (www.mdfoundation.com.au)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure both eyes are indicated in the coding as the condition is bilateral.
• Verify accurate documentation from healthcare providers to avoid confusion with similar retinal disorders.
• Be cautious of miscoding unrelated conditions that also involve macular complications.