Name of the Condition

• Paving Stone Degeneration of Retina, Bilateral
• Medical term: Peripheral retinal paving stone degeneration

Summary

Paving stone degeneration is a condition affecting the retina, where small, discrete, flat areas of thinning occur in the peripheral retina. This degeneration is more commonly seen in both eyes (bilateral). Although usually asymptomatic, it can be detected during an eye examination.

Causes

The exact cause of paving stone degeneration is not well understood, but it is thought to result from a combination of age-related changes and thinning of the retinal pigment epithelium. Reduced blood supply to the area may also play a role.

Risk Factors

• Aging: More common in older adults.
• Myopia: Associated with near-sighted individuals.
• Genetic factors: A possible contribution from family history.

Symptoms

• Typically asymptomatic with no noticeable symptoms.
• May sometimes be associated with floaters or flashes.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination.
• Fundoscopy or retinal imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) help in identification.

Treatment Options

• Generally, no treatment is required as it is usually non-threatening.
• Regular monitoring by an eye specialist to detect any changes over time.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis is typically favorable as the condition seldom leads to complications.
• Regular follow-ups are recommended to ensure there is no progression or development of retinal tears.

Complications

• Although rare, untreated paving stone degeneration can lead to complications like retinal tears or detachment.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye check-ups to monitor eye health.
• Protecting eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses may have overall eye health benefits.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If experiencing new-onset floaters, flashes, or any changes in vision, seek immediate evaluation to rule out serious retinal conditions.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: aao.org
• Retina Research Foundation: retinaresearchfnd.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation of "bilateral" in the coding.
• Be cautious to differentiate from conditions with similar codes but different laterality.
• Review the patient's record thoroughly to confirm the bilateral nature of the condition.