Retinal hemorrhage, unspecified eye

This code signifies bleeding within the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, without further specification of the affected eye. Retinal hemorrhages can manifest as various types, including dot-and-blot, flame-shaped, or preretinal, and may be associated with numerous underlying systemic or ocular conditions.

Use this code when the medical record documents a retinal hemorrhage but does not specify whether it is in the right or left eye. This is appropriate when the physician's documentation explicitly states "retinal hemorrhage, unspecified eye" or when the laterality is not documented and cannot be reasonably inferred.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies the affected eye (e.g., right, left, or bilateral); instead, use the more specific H35.61 (right eye) or H35.62 (left eye).
• Always code the underlying cause of the retinal hemorrhage if known and documented (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, retinal vein occlusion).
• Do not use this code for subconjunctival hemorrhage (H11.3-) or vitreous hemorrhage (H43.1-).