H33: Retinal detachments and breaks
H33.5: Other retinal detachments
The retina is a layer inside the eye. It contains a lot of sensory cells that can perceive light. There are sensory cells for colors and sensory cells for light and dark. The sensory cells pass the information on to the nerve cells in the optic nerve.
The retina may tear for a variety of reasons. When the retina tears, fluid may get into the retina through the hole. When fluid gets into the retina, it can become detached.
A detached retina is not usually painful. At first, one often sees flashes of light or small black dots. If the retina gets more detached, a sort of shadow moves into one’s field of vision. If the retina gets completely detached, blindness may result.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.