Repair and refitting spectacles; spectacle prosthesis for aphakia
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Repair and refitting spectacles; spectacle prosthesis for aphakia.
Summary
This procedure involves repairing or customizing eyeglasses specifically designed for individuals with aphakia, a condition where the lens of the eye is absent. These specialized glasses help improve vision by compensating for the missing lens.
Purpose
The procedure addresses aphakia, which typically results from cataract surgery or trauma. The goal is to restore clear vision by using spectacles that compensate for the absence of the eye's natural lens.
Indications
- Individuals who have undergone cataract removal without intraocular lens implantation.
- Patients with aphakia resulting from eye trauma or congenital conditions.
- Significant refractive errors that cannot be corrected with standard eyeglasses.
Preparation
- Patients should have a recent eye examination and prescription.
- No specific fasting or medication adjustments are usually required.
- A detailed ocular health assessment might be necessary.
Procedure Description
- Initial Assessment: Eye specialist conducts a thorough eye exam and evaluates the patient's current vision needs.
- Lens Selection: Based on the prescription, appropriate lenses are selected to correct the refractive error due to aphakia.
- Frame Fitting: The spectacles frames are fitted to ensure comfort and correct positioning.
- Customization: Adjustments are made to the frames and lenses, which may involve minor repairs or modifications.
- Final Testing: The patient tries the spectacles, and further adjustments are made if necessary to ensure optimal vision and comfort.
Duration
Typically, the procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the adjustments needed.
Setting
This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting, such as an optometrist’s or ophthalmologist's clinic.
Personnel
- Optometrist or Ophthalmologist: Conducts the initial assessment and prescription.
- Optician: Involved in the refitting and customization of the spectacles.
Risks and Complications
- Discomfort or poor fit leading to headaches or eye strain.
- Rare possibility of incorrect prescription causing unclear vision.
- Frame or lens breakages if not properly fitting.
Benefits
- Improved vision clarity.
- Enhanced daily functioning and quality of life.
- Immediate benefits usually realized as soon as the spectacles are fitted.
Recovery
- Minimal to no recovery time.
- Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.
- Follow-up visits may be required to make further adjustments if necessary.
Alternatives
- Contact lenses designed for aphakia.
- Surgical options like intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
- Each alternative has its own set of pros and cons, e.g., contact lenses offer a wider field of vision but require maintenance, while IOL surgery is more invasive.
Patient Experience
- Patients may experience immediate improvement in vision after fitting.
- Some minor discomfort or adjustment period may be needed to get used to the new spectacles.
- Regular follow-ups ensure optimal comfort and vision quality. Pain is not typically associated with this procedure.