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Endothelial corneal dystrophy, right eye
ICD10CM code
Name of the Condition
- Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy, Right Eye
- Also known as Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy (when referring to Fuchs' specifically).
Summary
Endothelial corneal dystrophy is an eye condition where the innermost layer of cells in the cornea, known as the endothelium, becomes damaged or dysfunctional. This leads to corneal swelling and can cause vision problems, especially in the right eye, based on the specific ICD code H18.511.
Causes
- Genetic factors are the primary cause, with mutations affecting the corneal endothelium.
- Age-related degeneration may also contribute to its development.
Risk Factors
- Family history of corneal dystrophies.
- Age, as the condition is more common in older adults.
- Being female, as some forms like Fuchs' dystrophy are more prevalent in women.
Symptoms
- Blurred or cloudy vision.
- Seeing halos around lights.
- Eye discomfort or sensitivity to light.
- Swelling of the cornea primarily affecting the right eye.
Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
- Specular microscopy to assess the endothelial cell count.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate corneal thickness and structure.
Treatment Options
- Hypertonic saline eye drops to reduce corneal swelling.
- Contact lenses to manage discomfort.
- Surgical options like endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK or DMEK) to replace damaged corneal layers.
Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With appropriate management, vision can often be successfully maintained or improved.
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring the condition and assessing the need for surgical intervention.
Complications
- Progressive vision loss if untreated.
Corneal scarring, potentially requiring a full-thickness corneal transplant.
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Although not preventable, regular eye check-ups can catch the condition early.
- Protecting eyes from UV light may help reduce symptoms.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden worsening of vision.
- Intense eye pain or discomfort.
- Signs of corneal edema like increased cloudiness or severe halos.
Additional Resources
Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the correct eye is coded; H18.511 specifically refers to the right eye.
- Confirm if additional conditions like cataracts are present, which may require additional codes.