Hypertensive retinopathy, right eye

This code signifies damage to the blood vessels of the retina in the right eye due to chronic high blood pressure. It represents a specific manifestation of systemic hypertension affecting the ocular fundus, leading to changes such as arteriolar narrowing, hemorrhages, and exudates.

Use this code when the physician explicitly documents hypertensive retinopathy affecting the right eye. This diagnosis is typically made during an ophthalmoscopic examination revealing characteristic retinal changes in a patient with a history of hypertension. Documentation should clearly specify the affected eye.

• Always code the underlying systemic hypertension first, as it is the etiology of the retinopathy.
• Ensure documentation specifies "right eye" to support laterality. If both eyes are affected, use the bilateral code or separate codes for each eye as appropriate.
• Distinguish from other forms of retinopathy, such as diabetic retinopathy, which have different underlying causes and specific codes.