Name of the Condition

• Vitreous membranes and strands, right eye
• Medical terms: Vitreous syneresis, Vitreous floaters

Summary

• Vitreous membranes and strands refer to the formation of fibrous tissues or strands within the vitreous humor of the eye. These can lead to visual disturbances commonly known as floaters.

Causes

• Aging process leading to vitreous degeneration.
• Eye trauma or injuries.
• Inflammation within the eye, such as uveitis.
• Previous eye surgery, including cataract surgery.

Risk Factors

• Older age, especially after 50.
• Presence of underlying conditions like diabetes.
• History of ocular trauma or surgery.

Symptoms

• Seeing spots, cobwebs, or thread-like strands in the field of vision.
• Sudden increases in floaters might be accompanied by flashes of light.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
• Dilated eye exam to visualize the vitreous and retina.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound in certain cases.

Treatment Options

• Observation in most cases where symptoms are mild and not affecting vision significantly.
• Vitrectomy for severe cases to remove the vitreous gel and relieve symptoms.
• The use of laser therapy to break up strands, though not common.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Often benign and do not significantly impair vision or quality of life.
• Regular eye exams to monitor changes, especially if symptoms worsen abruptly.

Complications

• Potential risk of retinal tear or detachment if changes in floaters are sudden and severe.
• Possible vision impairment if strands become dense.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye exams to catch early changes.
• Protect eyes from trauma by using appropriate eyewear during sports or activities.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden onset of floaters or increase in floaters.
• Flashes of light or loss of peripheral vision.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: aao.org
• EyeCare America: eyecareamerica.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specificity by capturing the laterality (right eye) in documentation.
• Confirm the code H43.311 corresponds specifically to the right eye for accurate billing. Avoid using incorrect laterality which can lead to claim denials.