Name of the Condition

• Puckering of macula, right eye
• Also known as Macular Pucker or Epiretinal Membrane (ERM).

Summary

Macular puckering is a condition where a layer of scar tissue forms on the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. This can lead to vision distortion and blurriness in the affected eye.

Causes

• Age-related changes are the most common cause.
• Eye injuries or surgery can also contribute.
• Conditions like diabetic retinopathy or retinal detachment may be involved.

Risk Factors

• Aging, particularly individuals over 50 years old.
• Previous eye surgeries or trauma.
• Associated eye conditions like retinal detachment or diabetic retinopathy.

Symptoms

• Distorted or blurred central vision.
• Wavy or crooked lines.
• Difficulty reading small print.
• Gray or cloudy areas in vision.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to visualize the layers of the retina.
• Fluorescein angiography may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options

• Observation in mild cases where the symptoms are not significant.
• Vitrectomy surgery to remove the scar tissue on the retina.
  • Helps improve vision clarity and reduce distortions.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Many patients recover some vision post-surgery, though full restoration to normal may not be possible.
• Regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist is crucial post-treatment.

Complications

• If untreated, it may lead to permanent vision distortion.
• Complications from surgery may include retinal tears or detachment.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain regular eye exams to catch early changes.
• Protect eyes from injuries and manage underlying health conditions like diabetes.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in vision or increased visual distortion.
• Gradually worsening symptoms that affect daily activities.

Additional Resources

• The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): aao.org
• The Macular Society: macularsociety.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure precision by using the correct laterality code—H35.371 denotes the right eye.
• Double-check documentation to distinguish from similar conditions like macular degeneration, which has different coding.