Retinal micro-aneurysms, unspecified, left eye

This code describes the presence of tiny, balloon-like dilations in the retinal blood vessels of the left eye. These micro-aneurysms are a hallmark sign of diabetic retinopathy and other retinal vascular diseases, indicating early damage to the retinal microvasculature.

Use this code when documentation specifies retinal micro-aneurysms in the left eye without further detail regarding their specific type or cause. This is appropriate when the ophthalmologist or optometrist identifies these lesions during a funduscopic exam or retinal imaging, and the laterality is clearly documented as left.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left eye" to support the laterality. If unspecified, use the unspecified eye code.
• If the underlying cause (e.g., diabetes) is known, code it first as the primary diagnosis, followed by this code.
• Do not use this code if more specific details about the micro-aneurysms (e.g., proliferative, nonproliferative) are documented; instead, choose a more precise code.