subfoveal involvement. 3220 became effective on October 1, 2023. It is found in the 2024 version of the ICD-10 Clinical Modification (CM) and can be used in all HIPAA-covered transactions from Oct 01, 2023 - Sep 30, 2024 . This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H35. 7 million in 2017. Geographic atrophy (GA) is a late-stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 3192 is a valid billable ICD-10 diagnosis code for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, unspecified eye, intermediate dry stage . 3132 became effective on October 1, 2023. H35. It is the leading cause of blindness in. ICD-10; CME/CE; MPR App; Haymarket Medical Network. AMD is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the United States, [ 2 ] with variable degrees of age-related macular changes occurring in 19. The symptoms are subtle at first, then become more noticeable. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H35. 30 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of unspecified macular degeneration. Here are two examples of what dry AMD looks like using fundus photography. The ForeseeHome® AMD Monitoring Program is a comprehensive program, which includes an FDA-cleared device that monitors visual changes in intermediate dry AMD patients at risk of vision loss from. The mean age was 75 years and mean dry AMD duration since diagnosis was 4. Short description: Exudative age-related mclr degn, left eye, stage unspecified The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. Your gradually lose your central vision. The global societal burden of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is huge due to the disabling vision loss that may ensue. Unlike diabetes, the eye indicator is in the sixth position (see red numerals in Tables 3 and 4) and staging is in the seventh position (see green. Toggle Menu. 223 may differ. After Oct. Loss of vision may still occur. 2 mg of zeaxanthin. 1 mL of 150 mg/mL solution) administered by intravitreal injection to each affected eye once every 25 to 60 days. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H35. This review aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the pathophysiology, clinical and. The ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes required for billing are: H35. Parent Code: H35. 7%, and in. Among the two types of AMD (dry and neovascular), dAMD constitutes the majority (80–90%) of cases and occurs when photoreceptors are lost and drusen (yellow deposits) develop [1, 2]. A prospective observational cross-sectional study was done between November 2020 and October 2021 which included 409 eyes of 207 patients. Dry AMD is when parts of the macula get thinner with age and tiny clumps of. Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, bilateral, intermediate dry stage. The equivalent ICD-10 diagnoses associated with these GA and pre-GA lesions are: “nonexudative AMD, intermediate dry stage” for high-risk drusen, iRORA, and nascent GA, “nonexudative AMD, advanced atrophic without subfoveal involvement” and “nonexudative AMD, advanced atrophic with subfoveal involvement. 31×1 for early dry AMD, which includes abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a few tiny drusen ( 63 m), a few intermediate drusen (> 63 m and 124 m), or both. 3211). 1 A significant portion of AMD is in the early stages (dAMD) and is not vision threatening. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the medical term for growth of new blood vessels beneath the eye’s retina (subretinal). H35. 033 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 31 1 1 H35. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of D31. It is estimated that about 80 percent (8 out of 10) of people who suffer AMD. 3113: 362. Dry AMD happens when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. 3192 - Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, unspecified eye, intermediate dry stage; H35. 518 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, left eye, early dry stage: H353122: Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, left eye, intermediate dry stage: H353123: Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, left eye, advanced atrophic without subfoveal involvement: H353124 Get crucial instructions for accurate ICD-10-CM H35. ↓ See below for any exclusions, inclusions or special. The dry form of macular degeneration, in which the light-sensitive cells of the macula slowly break down, is the most common type, accounting for 90% of diagnosed cases. This simplified scoring system allows the examining physician to estimate the risk of AMD progression in an individual patient. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disease of the human retina affecting individuals over the age of 55 years. 32 became effective on October 1, 2023. 2 stable. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H35. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease leading to substantial visual loss. Patients with another form of. high blood pressure (hypertension) obesity. What does dry vs. 313 became effective on October 1, 2023. 1. Chi-squared. ForeseeHome is appropriate for the types of patients you see every day, specifically those with unilateral or bilateral intermediate dry AMD, or wet AMD in one eye and intermediate dry AMD in their fellow eye. 3123 for advanced atrophic without subfoveal involvement; Use H35. Macula. 7%). Previous Code: H35. 3231 may differ. The code is valid. H35. 88 may differ. 5%; 1 factor, 3%; 2 factors, 12%; 3 factors, 25%; and 4 factors, 50%. Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of blindness prevalent in developed countries, particularly in people older than 60 years. H35. No AMD present. 2018 Jul 2;59(8):3431-3439. 31 for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the eye and adnexa . Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ocular disease that progressively destroys the central portion of the retina known as the macula, impairing central vision, and making it difficult to perform everyday tasks, including reading, recognizing faces, and driving. Short description: Exudative age-rel mclr degn, right eye, stage unspecified The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. 1 About 10% of patients with dry AMD will develop subretinal or choroidal neovascular. The most common symptoms are distorted vision or visual loss in the center of the visual field. When ICD-10 first went into effect in 2015, the codeset had no laterality for wet or dry AMD. Characterized by drusen formation, macular pigmentary changes, geographic atrophy, and neovascularization of the choriocapillaris with exudation. 3123 Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, left eye, advanced atrophic without subfoveal involvement. H35. 31 may differ. Similar changes to exudative AMD include laterality with the different stages of wet AMD also defined by the seventh character. It is a complex disease whose etiology is associated with both genetic and environmental risk factors. H40. 033 may differ. Atrophic age-related macular degeneration. 1, laterality is required when coding for AMD, in addition to staging. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a vision disorder that causes gradual central vision loss. The early and intermediate AMD types, presented in 90% of AMD patients, are characterized by the presence of drusen and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities. 2 - intermediate dry stage 3 - advanced atrophic, without subfoveal involvement, advanced dry stage 4 - advanced atrophic, with subfoveal involvement. 89 became effective on October 1, 2023. Short description: Nexdtve age-related mclr degn, right eye, stage unspecified The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. 4. Dry: This type of macular degeneration accounts for 80% of cases. In addition, the retinal. Geographic Atrophy* / therapy. Patients with wet AMD often have symptoms which can alert healthcare professionals to a macular. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of I88. Your retina consists of layers of neural tissue that line the back part of. H35. If the left eye diagnosis of intermediate dry AMD (ICD-10-CM H35. Of 104 dry AMD studies, there were 26 of pharmacological treatments, 30 in physical therapies, 3 of cell transplants and 45 of nutritional. ICD-10-CM Code for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, bilateral, intermediate dry stage H35. Dry AMD happens when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down. Identified Q&As 1. This code description may also have Includes, Excludes, Notes, Guidelines, Examples and other information. This condition results in damage to the macula, which is part of the retina. Doc Preview. Diabetes is a condition that impairs. 3122 is a valid billable ICD-10 diagnosis code for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, left eye, intermediate dry stage . The patient had a routine examination previously with you earlier this year. H35. ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35. Subjects with dry AMD were identified based on the ICD-10 code H35. Non-exudative AMD AREDS Beckman Committee ICD-10. With the aging of population, AMD will become globally an increasingly important and prevalent disease worldwide. intermediate adv. 61 of 11,075 subjects. 9% in patients with large bilateral drusen at baseline (n = 241) to 44. Currently available treatments for exudative AMD use intravitreal injections, which are associated with high risk of infection that can lead to. Dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD) is a chronic eye disease that can impair vision and progress to severe central vision loss . 18-24143. H35. Other ICD-10-CM Codes Commonly Used for Similar Conditions. Answer: The ICD-10-CM Quick Reference Guide for Glaucoma (page 4) includes that information. ICD-10 coding and. You may have heard of “dry” and “wet” AMD; dry AMD is classified into early, intermediate, and advanced stages. 4,5 Defects in the RPE layer continuity. The drusen >125 µm is. 1, 2 As the name suggests, it is primarily associated with ageing. ”. Advanced AMD diagnosis. 3122 for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, left eye, intermediate dry stage is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the eye and adnexa . Exudative macular degeneration is the wet form of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in people over 55. These capabilities allow. A retina with soft drusen from dry AMD. Short description: Nexdtve age-related mclr. left eye, intermediate dry stage; H35. With wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, leak blood or other fluids, and. Get crucial instructions for accurate ICD-10-CM H35. 3130 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. At this point, some patients might experience mild vision loss or might require, say, a brighter light while reading, but. Risk Factors. Which code would you choose? Answer: 99213. Answer: Yes. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals older than 55 in the Western world. 2 - intermediate dry stage. 31: Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration:. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. ICD 10 code for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, left. With wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels underneath the retina leak blood and fluid, causing permanent damage to the macula. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. 31 3 3 H35. H35. Purpose: To review the available literature on the prevalence, incidence, natural history, and exudative conversion rates of subclinical (treatment-naïve) nonexudative macular neovascularization (MNV) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Available for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Web. Approximately 85% to 90% of the cases of macular degeneration are the “dry” (atrophic) type. 3133 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The following code (s) above H35. Within a year, wet AMD developed in 24% of eyes with—and in 5. Short description: Nexdtve age-rel mclr degn, l eye, adv atrpc with sbfvl invl The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. For example: H35. Applicable To. It accounts for 8. 0 became effective on October 1, 2023. 50, 362. Metformin users had no reduction in any AMD (ICD-10 diagnostic code) risk (adjusted OR 1. It affects the retina, particularly the macula, a portion of the retina with specialized cells that allow you your sharpest vision. These include drusenoid PED, serous PED, fibrovascular PED, or mixed components. 3111 became effective on October 1, 2023. Most people with AMD have dry AMD (also called atrophic AMD). Late wet MD. 30 may differ. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in elderly patients [1] and is classified as either non-exudative (i. The evidence doesn't show benefit in taking these supplements for people with early-stage dry macular degeneration. 3212 became effective on October 1, 2023. , wet or neovascular). Your ophthalmologist will diagnose it as either dry or wet AMD. They are: 0 – stage unspecified. 3122 ICD-10 code H35. In a phase 2a clinical trial, patients with intermediate dry AMD were randomized to intravitreal risuteganib or sham injections. It's the No. 31 - other international versions of ICD-10 H35. Advanced forms of AMD are seen in primarily 2 types, exudative AMD involving the presence of choroidal neovascularization and nonexudative or dry AMD. 3122 H35. 518 became effective on October 1, 2023. Superficial Injury Of Eye And Adnexa. H35. AMD is classified as either dry or wet (neovascular), and dry AMD may manifest as early, intermediate, or advanced disease. Other Retinal Disorders. Introduction. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible central vision loss in older patients. Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes. 50 became effective on October 1, 2023. H35. ↓ See below for any exclusions, inclusions or. 51), wet (362. 3132 for intermediate dry stage; Use H35. Prior to Oct 1, 2016, whether AMD was staged as wet (H35. 10 The ICD-9-CM classification of AMD is contained in Appendix Figure 3. 31. 3121 H35. 3132 is a valid billable ICD-10 diagnosis code for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, bilateral, intermediate dry stage . However, effective Oct. 3131 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 10 mg of lutein. H35. ICD-10-CM Code Description H35. 4% to 53%. ICD-10-CM code H35. 9% 10-year risk of progression for the highest risk category. H35. This section shows you chapter-specific coding guidelines to increase your understanding and correct usage of the target ICD-10-CM Volume 1 code. 8. Search Page 1/1: h3531. This abnormal tissue leaks fluid and blood beneath and into the retina. Advanced atrophic dry AMD without subfoveal involvement: H35. 31x3 – geographic atrophy. The above description is abbreviated. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H40. H35. The approximate 5-year risk of developing advanced AMD can then be calculated: 0 factors, 0. The following code (s) above H35. 3120 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 3192 for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, unspecified eye, intermediate dry stage is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the eye and adnexa . ICD-10-CM Code for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, bilateral, intermediate dry stage H35. injury (trauma) of eye and orbit ( S05. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the human retina which in its most aggressive form is associated with the formation of macular neovascularization (MNV) and subretinal fibrosis leading to irreversible blindness. Purpose To evaluate the various patterns of subretinal fluid (SRF) in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the absence of macular neovascularisation (MNV) and to assess the long-term outcomes in these eyes. ForeseeHome is cleared for patients who have a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/60 or better and who have the following intermediate dry AMD ICD-10 codes: H35. 3113 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 3132. PSYC 243. Short description: Nonexudative age-related mclr degn, unsp, early dry stage The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. 31x2 – involves at least 1 large drusen (≥ 125 μm) or extensive intermediate drusen. Compared with wet AMD, dry AMD has a slower evolution in central visual loss, which can occur over decades . Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease typically associated with the aging and can be classified into two types-namely, the exudative and the nonexudative AMD. It is found in the 2024 version of the ICD-10 Clinical Modification (CM) and can be used in all HIPAA-covered transactions from Oct 01, 2023 - Sep 30, 2024 . Basal laminar drusen/Cuticular drusen is an uncommon entity. Angiogenesis Inhibitors. All of the DM retinopathy code choices will now specify which eye is impacted. ForeseeHome is cleared for patients who have a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/60 or better and who have the following intermediate dry AMD ICD-10 codes: H35. Baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) letter scores observed were a mean + SEM of 69. Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) accounts for more than 90% of patients diagnosed with AMD. When using code H35. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible central vision loss in developed countries. In the second stage (early AMD), there are some intermediate drusen whose diameter is ≥ 63 μm and ≤124 μm but with no retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell abnormalities. 3% (GA with subfoveal involvement). Short description: Nexdtve age-rel mclr degn, unsp, adv atrpc w/o sbfvl invl The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. You and your ophthalmologist can discuss your options for achieving better sight. In the early form of dry AMD, it is possible to identify drusen with small/intermediate size without vision loss. 313 contain annotation back-references that may be applicable to H35. 31), look for these seventh characters: 0: stage unspecified; 1: early dry stage; 2: intermediate dry stage; 3: advanced atrophic without subfoveal involvement; 4: advanced atrophic with subfoveal involvement. 30. 04 G92. It is found in the 2022 version of the ICD-10 Clinical Modification (CM) and can be used in all HIPAA-covered transactions from Oct 01, 2021 - Sep 30, 2022 . H35. 3132 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, bilateral, intermediate dry stage. The following ICD-10-CM Code Edits are applicable to this code:. To help slow disease progression, patients with intermediate or advanced stages of AMD (both wet and dry) can take AREDS formulations, which have been shown to reduce the risk of progression by 25. AREDS2 may be able to stop the progression from intermediate. Advanced AMD developed within 5 years in 42% of eyes, 19% progressing to center-involving geographic atrophy and 23%. Other Diseases Of The Conjunctiva Due To Viruses And Chlamydiae. For example: H35. H35. Challenges with depth perception or swiss. Metformin users had no reduction in any AMD (ICD-10 diagnostic code) risk (adjusted OR 1. Other specified disorders of iris and ciliary body. The number of persons with early AMD in Germany rose from 5. 45). 3114 became effective on October 1, 2023. 3133 became effective on October 1, 2023. 3112 (OD) H35. 6%) of the population aged 40 years and older in 2019. 3134 for advanced atrophic with subfoveal involvement;To investigate the growth of nonexudative macular neovascularization (MNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). 31x2 for intermediate dry less commonly and more slowly in Coding for Laterality in AMD AMD—extensive intermediate drusen patients with geographic atrophy When you use the codes for dry AMD (> 63 µm and ≤ 124 µm) or at least 1 than in patients with neovascular (H35. Purpose To analyze the association between glucosamine (GlcN) use and the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using claims data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). When using code H35. 1 cause of vision loss for adults over age 50. H35. Summary. ICD-10-CM Code for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, bilateral, early dry stage H35. It is also characterised. All other forms of ARMD, including early, intermediate, and atrophy, are considered dry ARMD. Over 8 million people are affected worldwide with GA, approximately 20% of all individuals with AMD. 3133 X H5. ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes. D31. Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, right eye. This section shows you chapter-specific coding guidelines to increase your understanding and correct usage of the target ICD-10-CM Volume 1 code. Age-related macular degeneration affects individuals older. H21. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is part of the spectrum of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that consists of an abnormal growth of vessels from the choroidal vasculature to the neurosensory retina through the Bruch's membrane. Those with the intermediate stage of dry AMD also may. The retina is a layer of neurosensory tissue in the eye that converts light into neural signals that the brain interprets as images. code (s) to identify all manifestations of HIV infection. Wet AMD is a more severe condition and always counts as late-stage AMD. 3114 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. H35. 3192 for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, unspecified eye, intermediate dry stage is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range -. Many investigational trials,. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in older individuals in industrialized countries. (>125 μm) Advanced Dry AMD Characterized by ≥1 of the following (in the absence of other causes): GA of the RPE and choriocapillaris involving the center of the fovea:Specify side stage with new wet or dry amd codes you. 3121 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The symptoms are related to a loss of central vision, as the macula is affected by drusen (in the dry. Nonexudative AMD Nonexudative (dry or atrophic) AMD accounts for 90 percent of all patients with AMD in the United States. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that. The study met its primary endpoint with 48 percent of patients in the risuteganib arm at week 28 gaining ≥ 8 letters from baseline, compared to 7. 03 G92. Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of bilateral central vision loss in the elderly population in developed countries. When using code H35. H35. the foveal center. May include GA of . As our study analyzed all stages of dry AMD (early, intermediate, and advanced) together, we are unable to assess relationships between metformin use and specific stages of AMD, an important analysis that ought to be pursued in future studies, as these associations may differ among early, intermediate, and advanced dry AMD. H35. old tributary (branch) retinal vein occlusion. H52. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2023 through September 30, 2024. Complexity, however, comes at a price, and while our eyes are. The macula is the part of the retina that gives the eye clear vision in the direct line of sight. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM I88. Clinical relevance: AMD is a leading cause of blindness in the aging. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H35. Findings include numerous small yellow drusen on examination, which are more obvious on fundus auto-fluorescence. atrophic w/o subfoveal involvement adv. The seventh character, the stage, of the ICD-10 code for dry AMD will be 0 to 4. 3191 in. 31 2 1 H35. 31), the ICD-10 codes didn’t specify eye. Cancer Therapy Advisor;. One of the following 7th characters is to be assigned to codes in subcategory H34. In the treatment arm, 20% of participants gained 15 letters or more at week 28. 54 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Retinal Detachments And Defects. 31 ( Nonexudative senile macular. Geographic atrophy (GA), also known as atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or advanced dry AMD, is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration that can result in the progressive and irreversible loss of retinal tissue ( photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, choriocapillaris) which can lead to a loss of visual function. People with medium-sized drusen (≥63 to <125 micrometers) in the absence of pigmentary changes are defined as having early AMD. H35. 3121 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Age-related macular degeneration is a potentially progressive maculopathy. These risk factors are added between both eyes and result in a numerical score between 0 and 4. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. 3121 became effective on October 1, 2023. 3123 H35. 30 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 1,33 For dry AMD, the ICD-10 codes categorize advanced late. 3213 became effective on October 1, 2023. Dry AMD is defined clinically by the presence of at least intermediate-size yellow sub-RPE deposits called drusen (63 µm or larger in diameter), RPE pigmentary abnormalities, and subretinal. How are the stage codes described for dry AMD? A. Background. The clinical manifestations of non-exudative AMD range from incidental findings of drusen to geographic atrophy causing significant vision loss, and. Indicate laterality in the sixth position and staging in the seventh position. Under ICD-10-CM Codes that Support Medical Necessity Group 1: Deleted G92 and added G92. Dry age-related macular degeneration. 3% of eyes in the cohort aged between 21 and 84 years. Causes: The exact cause of AMD is unknown, but the condition develops as the eye ages. collect in the macula. Z83. MNVs contain blood vessels as well as infiltrating immune cells,. Patients with AMD are classified as having early stage disease (early AMD), in which visual function is affected, or late AMD (generally characterized as either "wet" neovascular AMD, "dry" atrophic AMD or both),. 1 Classification of the various. AMD Classification and Grading. 2 ALZ-507. Short description: Exudative age-rel mclr degn, right eye, with inactive scar The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. 3112 is a valid billable ICD-10 diagnosis code for Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration, right eye, intermediate dry stage . ICD-10-CM Coding Rules. µm), few intermediate drusen (> 63 µm and ≤ 124 µm), or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities.