ICD-10: H35.412

Lattice degeneration of the retina is a condition characterized by a thinning of the peripheral retina, which can lead to an increased risk of retinal tears and detachment. The ICD-10 code H35.412 specifically refers to lattice degeneration occurring in the left eye. Below is a detailed clinical description and relevant information regarding this condition.

Clinical Description of Lattice Degeneration

Definition

Lattice degeneration is a retinal condition where the peripheral retina becomes thin and develops a lattice-like appearance. This degeneration is often asymptomatic but can predispose individuals to more serious complications, such as retinal tears or detachment, particularly in the presence of other risk factors like myopia (nearsightedness).

Symptoms

While lattice degeneration itself may not present noticeable symptoms, patients may experience:
- Flashes of light: Often described as seeing "lightning" in the peripheral vision.
- Floaters: Small specks or lines that drift through the field of vision.
- Visual disturbances: In cases where complications arise, such as retinal tears, patients may notice a sudden increase in floaters or a shadow in their vision.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing lattice degeneration, including:
- Myopia: Higher degrees of nearsightedness are associated with a greater risk.
- Family history: A genetic predisposition may play a role.
- Age: The condition is more common in older adults.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lattice degeneration typically involves:
- Comprehensive eye examination: Including visual acuity tests and dilated fundus examination.
- Fundus photography: To document the appearance of the retina.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This imaging technique can provide detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, helping to assess the extent of degeneration.

Management and Treatment

Management of lattice degeneration focuses on monitoring and prevention of complications:
- Regular eye exams: Patients with lattice degeneration should have regular follow-ups to monitor for changes.
- Laser treatment: In some cases, prophylactic laser treatment may be recommended to create a barrier around areas of degeneration to prevent retinal tears.
- Surgical intervention: If a retinal tear or detachment occurs, surgical options such as vitrectomy or scleral buckle may be necessary.

Conclusion

Lattice degeneration of the retina, particularly in the left eye as indicated by ICD-10 code H35.412, is a condition that requires careful monitoring due to its potential complications. Regular eye examinations and appropriate management strategies are essential to prevent serious outcomes such as retinal detachment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this condition, it is crucial to follow up with an ophthalmologist for ongoing care and assessment.

Lattice degeneration of the retina, specifically coded as ICD-10 code H35.412, is a condition characterized by specific clinical presentations, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics. Understanding these aspects is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Clinical Presentation

Lattice degeneration is a retinal condition that typically manifests in the peripheral retina. It is often asymptomatic in its early stages, but as the condition progresses, patients may experience various symptoms. The degeneration is characterized by thinning of the retina and the presence of lattice-like patterns, which can lead to complications such as retinal tears or detachment.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Asymptomatic Phase:
   - Many patients do not exhibit symptoms initially. Lattice degeneration is often discovered incidentally during routine eye examinations or imaging studies.

2. Visual Disturbances:
   - Patients may report symptoms such as flashes of light (photopsia) or floaters, which are often indicative of retinal traction or changes in the vitreous gel.

3. Retinal Tears or Detachment:
   - If lattice degeneration progresses, it can lead to retinal tears, which may present with sudden onset of visual changes, including:

   • A sudden increase in floaters.
   • A shadow or curtain effect in the peripheral vision.
   • Sudden loss of vision in severe cases.

4. Other Symptoms:
   - Some patients may experience blurred vision or difficulty seeing at night, although these symptoms are less common.

Patient Characteristics

Lattice degeneration can occur in various patient demographics, but certain characteristics are more commonly associated with the condition:

1. Age:
   - It is more frequently observed in younger individuals, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 50.

2. Myopia:
   - Patients with myopia (nearsightedness) are at a higher risk for developing lattice degeneration. The elongation of the eyeball in myopic patients can contribute to retinal thinning.

3. Family History:
   - A familial predisposition may exist, as lattice degeneration can be more common in individuals with a family history of retinal conditions.

4. Other Eye Conditions:
   - Patients with a history of other retinal disorders or those who have undergone previous eye surgeries may also be at increased risk.

5. Gender:
   - There is no significant gender predisposition, as both males and females are equally affected.

Conclusion

Lattice degeneration of the retina (ICD-10 code H35.412) is a condition that may initially present without symptoms, making regular eye examinations essential for early detection. As the condition progresses, patients may experience visual disturbances and, in severe cases, complications such as retinal tears or detachment. Understanding the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this condition is vital for healthcare providers to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management. Regular monitoring and patient education about potential symptoms are crucial for those diagnosed with lattice degeneration.

Lattice degeneration of the retina is a specific condition characterized by thinning and weakening of the retinal tissue, which can lead to complications such as retinal detachment. The ICD-10-CM code for this condition, specifically for the left eye, is H35.412. Below are alternative names and related terms associated with this diagnosis.

Alternative Names for Lattice Degeneration

1. Lattice Retinopathy: This term is often used interchangeably with lattice degeneration, emphasizing the retinopathy aspect of the condition.
2. Lattice Degeneration: A more general term that may refer to the condition without specifying the eye involved.
3. Retinal Lattice Degeneration: This term highlights the retinal location of the degeneration.
4. Peripheral Retinal Degeneration: While broader, this term can encompass lattice degeneration as a specific type of peripheral retinal change.

Related Terms

1. Retinal Detachment: A potential complication of lattice degeneration, where the retina separates from the underlying tissue.
2. Retinal Tear: A condition that can occur alongside lattice degeneration, where a tear in the retina may lead to detachment.
3. Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR): A condition that can develop after retinal detachment, often associated with lattice degeneration.
4. Retinal Atrophy: A general term that may describe the thinning of retinal tissue, which can include lattice degeneration.
5. Vitreous Degeneration: Changes in the vitreous body that may accompany retinal conditions, including lattice degeneration.

Clinical Context

Lattice degeneration is often asymptomatic but can be detected during routine eye examinations. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor patients with this condition due to the risk of retinal detachment, which can lead to significant vision loss if not addressed promptly. Understanding the terminology associated with H35.412 can aid in effective communication among healthcare professionals and enhance patient education regarding the condition and its potential complications.

In summary, while H35.412 specifically refers to lattice degeneration of the retina in the left eye, the condition is known by various alternative names and is related to several other ocular terms that describe its implications and associated risks.

Lattice degeneration of the retina, specifically coded as H35.412 in the ICD-10-CM system, is a condition characterized by thinning and degeneration of the peripheral retina. This condition can lead to complications such as retinal tears or detachment, making accurate diagnosis and documentation crucial for effective management and treatment. Below are the key criteria and considerations used for diagnosing lattice degeneration of the retina, particularly for the left eye.

Diagnostic Criteria for Lattice Degeneration of Retina

1. Clinical Examination

• Fundoscopic Evaluation: The primary method for diagnosing lattice degeneration involves a thorough examination of the retina using an ophthalmoscope. The clinician looks for characteristic findings such as:
  • Retinal Thinning: Areas of the retina that appear thinner than normal.
  • Lattice-like Appearance: The presence of a lattice pattern, which may include white lines or bands on the retina.
  • Atrophic Changes: Signs of atrophy in the retinal tissue surrounding the lattice areas.

2. Symptoms Assessment

• Patients may report symptoms such as:
  • Flashes of Light: Photopsia, or flashes, can indicate retinal irritation or traction.
  • Floaters: The presence of floaters may suggest changes in the vitreous gel that can accompany lattice degeneration.
  • Visual Disturbances: Although lattice degeneration may not always cause significant vision loss, any changes in vision should be documented.

3. Imaging Studies

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This imaging technique can provide detailed cross-sectional images of the retina, helping to visualize the extent of degeneration and any associated complications.
• Ultrasound: In cases where the view of the retina is obscured (e.g., due to cataracts), ultrasound can be used to assess the retina's condition.

4. Documentation and Coding

• Accurate documentation is essential for coding purposes. The following should be included in the medical record:
  • Diagnosis Confirmation: Clear documentation of the diagnosis of lattice degeneration, specifying that it pertains to the left eye (H35.412).
  • Associated Findings: Any additional findings, such as the presence of retinal tears or detachment, should be noted, as these can influence treatment decisions and coding.

5. Differential Diagnosis

• It is important to differentiate lattice degeneration from other retinal conditions, such as:
  • Retinal Detachment: A more serious condition that may present with similar symptoms.
  • Other Degenerative Changes: Conditions like retinal holes or tears that may require different management strategies.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of lattice degeneration of the retina, particularly for the left eye (ICD-10 code H35.412), relies on a combination of clinical examination, patient symptom assessment, imaging studies, and thorough documentation. By adhering to these criteria, healthcare providers can ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of this retinal condition, ultimately reducing the risk of complications such as retinal detachment. Proper coding and documentation are essential for effective treatment planning and insurance reimbursement.

Lattice degeneration of the retina, particularly when specified for the left eye under ICD-10 code H35.412, is a condition characterized by thinning and weakening of the peripheral retina. This condition can predispose individuals to retinal tears and detachments, making timely diagnosis and management crucial. Below, we explore standard treatment approaches for this condition.

Understanding Lattice Degeneration

Lattice degeneration is often asymptomatic but can lead to serious complications, including retinal tears and detachment. It is typically identified during a comprehensive eye examination, often through dilated fundus examination or imaging techniques such as fundus photography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) [1][2].

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Observation and Monitoring

For many patients with lattice degeneration who are asymptomatic, the standard approach is careful observation. Regular follow-up examinations are essential to monitor any changes in the retina. This is particularly important for patients with risk factors for retinal detachment, such as a family history of retinal issues or previous eye trauma [3].

2. Laser Photocoagulation

If there are signs of retinal tears or if the lattice degeneration is extensive, laser photocoagulation may be recommended. This procedure involves using a laser to create small burns around the area of degeneration, which helps to seal the retina to the underlying tissue and prevent the progression to retinal detachment [4].

3. Cryotherapy

In some cases, cryotherapy may be used as an alternative to laser treatment. This technique involves applying extreme cold to the retina to create a scar that helps to secure the retina in place. Cryotherapy is particularly useful in cases where laser treatment may not be feasible due to the location of the degeneration [5].

4. Surgical Intervention

If a retinal detachment occurs, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Options include:

• Scleral Buckling: This procedure involves placing a silicone band around the eye to indent the wall of the eye and relieve traction on the retina.
• Vitrectomy: In cases where there is significant vitreous traction or hemorrhage, a vitrectomy may be performed to remove the vitreous gel and repair the retina [6].

5. Patient Education

Educating patients about the symptoms of retinal detachment, such as sudden flashes of light, floaters, or a shadow in their vision, is crucial. Prompt reporting of these symptoms can lead to timely intervention and potentially preserve vision [7].

Conclusion

The management of lattice degeneration of the retina, particularly for the left eye as indicated by ICD-10 code H35.412, primarily involves observation and monitoring for asymptomatic cases. However, when complications arise, laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, or surgical options may be necessary. Regular follow-ups and patient education play vital roles in preventing serious outcomes associated with this condition. If you or someone you know is diagnosed with lattice degeneration, it is essential to work closely with an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of action tailored to individual needs.

References

1. Clinical Policy: Fundus Photography.
2. Local Coverage Determination (LCD).
3. Clinical Policy: Prophylaxis of Retinal Detachment.
4. Billing and Coding: Ophthalmology: Posterior Segment.
5. Posterior Segment Imaging (Extended Ophthalmoscopy).
6. Clinical Policy: Fundus Photography.
7. Billing and Coding: Ophthalmology: Posterior Segment.