Horseshoe tear of retina without detachment, bilateral

This code signifies the presence of a horseshoe-shaped retinal tear in both eyes, without any associated separation of the retina from the underlying choroid. These tears are full-thickness defects in the neurosensory retina, often caused by vitreoretinal traction.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a bilateral horseshoe retinal tear identified during an ophthalmic examination, and the physician explicitly states that there is no retinal detachment present in either eye. This typically occurs during routine eye exams or follow-up for vitreous syneresis.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "bilateral" and explicitly states "without detachment" for both eyes.
• Do not confuse this with other types of retinal tears (e.g., atrophic holes, operculated tears) or tears with associated detachment.
• If a detachment is present in one or both eyes, a different code from the H33.0 or H33.1 series would be appropriate.