Proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy, left eye

This code signifies a specific ocular complication of sickle cell disease, characterized by abnormal new blood vessel growth (neovascularization) in the retina of the left eye. This proliferative stage can lead to serious vision-threatening events such as vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states proliferative sickle-cell retinopathy affecting the left eye. This diagnosis is typically made by an ophthalmologist based on funduscopic examination findings, often in patients with a known history of sickle cell anemia or trait.

• Ensure laterality is clearly documented as "left eye" to support this specific code.
• Always sequence the underlying sickle cell disease code (e.g., D57.-) as the primary diagnosis, followed by this code as a secondary diagnosis.
• Distinguish from nonproliferative sickle-cell retinopathy (H36.81-) which lacks neovascularization.