2025 ICD-10-CM code H33.3
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the eye and adnexa - Disorders of choroid and retina 7 Feed
Retinal breaks without detachment.This condition involves a tear or break in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye, without any associated detachment.
Medical necessity for treatment of retinal breaks is based on the potential risk of progression to retinal detachment, which can lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.Treatment aims to prevent retinal detachment by sealing the retinal break.
Diagnosis and management of retinal breaks is typically handled by ophthalmologists,eye specialists. They conduct thorough eye exams to assess the break, its location, size, and any associated risk factors for retinal detachment. Patient education about symptoms, follow-up care, and potential complications is crucial. Based on the assessment, the ophthalmologist may recommend observation, laser treatment, or cryotherapy to seal the break and prevent retinal detachment.
In simple words: A retinal break is a tear in the retina, the layer at the back of your eye that senses light. This diagnosis means you have a tear, but the retina hasn't detached from the back of your eye.
Retinal breaks without detachment
Example 1: A 60-year-old patient presents with flashes of light and new floaters in their vision. Upon examination, a small retinal break is found in the superior temporal quadrant without any detachment., A 25-year-old myopic patient experiences sudden onset of floaters and flashing lights.An ophthalmologist identifies a retinal tear without detachment., During a routine eye exam, a peripheral retinal break is discovered incidentally in a patient with no symptoms.
Documentation should include a detailed description of the retinal break's characteristics (size, location, type), associated symptoms, presence or absence of detachment, any prior eye conditions or trauma, and treatment plan. Diagnostic reports from ophthalmic examinations, such as funduscopy or optical coherence tomography (OCT), should also be included.
** Excludes1: chorioretinal scars after surgery for detachment (H59.81-), peripheral retinal degeneration without break (H35.4-)
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital