Retinopathy of prematurity, stage 1, unspecified eye

This code describes a mild form of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) where there is a clear demarcation line separating the vascularized retina from the avascular retina in an infant born prematurely. This stage indicates the earliest detectable changes in retinal vascular development due to prematurity, without significant vessel proliferation or detachment.

Use this code for premature infants diagnosed with Stage 1 ROP in an eye that is not specified as right or left. Documentation should clearly state "retinopathy of prematurity, stage 1" without laterality, or when only one eye is affected but the specific eye is not documented.

• Do not use this code if the laterality (right or left eye) is documented; instead, use the more specific codes for Stage 1 ROP.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "Stage 1" and not a higher stage of ROP.
• Consider sequencing this code after codes for prematurity or low birth weight if applicable.