Name of the Condition

• Hemorrhagic Detachment of Retinal Pigment Epithelium, Left Eye
• Often referred to as retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) with hemorrhage.

Summary

• Hemorrhagic detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium is a condition where blood leaks and accumulates beneath the retinal pigment epithelium in the eye, specifically affecting the left eye. This can lead to vision disturbances or loss.

Causes

• This condition is often associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), trauma, or other underlying retinal diseases that lead to bleeding under the retina.

Risk Factors

• Advanced age, especially over 50.
• Smoking and unhealthy diet.
• Genetic predisposition to retinal disorders.
• Pre-existing conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Symptoms

• Sudden, painless loss of vision or visual distortion in the left eye
• Dark or empty areas in the field of vision
• Blurred vision and difficulty seeing in dim light

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination, including dilated fundus examination.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize the retina.
• Fluorescein angiography to assess blood flow and identify leaks.

Treatment Options

• Anti-VEGF injections to reduce blood vessel growth and leakage.
• Photodynamic therapy to target abnormal blood vessels.
• Laser treatments to seal off leaking vessels and prevent further damage.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and the promptness of treatment.
• Regular monitoring through eye exams is crucial to assess the effect of treatment and detect potential recurrences.

Complications

• If untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss or severe visual impairment.
• Potential for the condition to recur or affect the other eye.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye check-ups for early detection.
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3.
• Smoking cessation and managing blood pressure levels.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in vision or occurrence of any of the symptoms listed.
• Immediate medical attention if experiencing sudden vision loss.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) – aao.org
• Retina Society – retinasociety.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Verify left eye specificity for accurate coding.
• Ensure this is distinguished from similar conditions like dry AMD.
• Common error: confusing with serous detachment without hemorrhage. Use ICD code H35.732 for hemorrhagic cases.