H35.372 Puckering of macula, left eye

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Puckering of macula, left eye
- Epiretinal membrane (ERM), macular pucker

#### Summary
- Macula puckering is a condition where a thin layer of scar tissue forms on the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision, leading to distorted or blurred vision.

#### Causes
- It often develops idiopathically or as a result of aging.
- Secondary causes include eye trauma, retinal detachment, inflammation, or after eye surgeries like cataract removal.

#### Risk Factors
- Age: More common in individuals over 50.
- History of eye conditions or trauma.
- Previous eye surgery.

#### Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision, like straight lines appearing wavy.
- Difficulty in seeing fine details or reading.
- Grey area in the central vision.

#### Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to obtain detailed images of the retina.
- Fluorescein angiography in certain cases to rule out other retinal issues.

#### Treatment Options
- Observation for mild cases that do not significantly affect vision.
- Vitrectomy surgery to remove the scar tissue if vision interference is severe.
  
#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Many individuals experience stable vision without progression.
- Surgery may improve vision but not always to pre-condition clarity.
- Regular monitoring is essential, as some cases may worsen over time.

#### Complications
- Possible progression to more severe vision impairment if untreated.
- Surgical risks include infection, bleeding, or retinal detachment.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular eye exams, especially if you have a history of eye issues.
- Control of conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Use protective eyewear to prevent trauma.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Noticeable distortion in vision.
- Difficulty reading or performing tasks requiring focus.
- Sudden worsening of symptoms.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)](https://www.aao.org)
- [National Eye Institute (NEI)](https://www.nei.nih.gov)
- Local support groups or forums for eye health.

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the specification of "left eye" to use the correct code H35.372.
- Double-check for any underlying causes that may require additional coding.
- Be careful to distinguish from similar codes like macular degeneration or other retinal disorders.

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