H18.713 Corneal ectasia, bilateral

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Corneal ectasia, bilateral**
- Also known as keratectasia or keratoconus when affecting both eyes.

#### Summary
- Corneal ectasia is a progressive eye disorder characterized by thinning and bulging of the cornea. This leads to a cone-like shape, causing visual distortion. When it affects both eyes, it is referred to as bilateral corneal ectasia.

#### Causes
- The exact cause is unknown, but it can be associated with genetic predisposition, eye injury, or complications following procedures like LASIK surgery.

#### Risk Factors
- Family history of the condition.
- Frequent eye rubbing or chronic eye irritation.
- Certain connective tissue disorders.

#### Symptoms
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription.
- Ghost images or multiple images (monocular diplopia).

#### Diagnosis
- Thorough eye examination including corneal topography.
- Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness.
- Refraction assessment to measure visual acuity.

#### Treatment Options
- **Eyeglasses or Soft Contact Lenses:** For mild cases to correct vision.
- **Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses:** To maintain regular corneal shape and improve vision.
- **Corneal Cross-linking:** To strengthen the corneal structure and halt progression.
- **Surgery:** Options like Intacs corneal implants or corneal transplant for advanced cases.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Early diagnosis and treatment can slow progression and improve vision.
- Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor changes in corneal shape and vision.

#### Complications
- Severe visual impairment if untreated.
- Scarring of the cornea, affecting vision quality.
- Need for a potential corneal transplant in advanced cases.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoid excessive eye rubbing.
- Protect eyes from irritants and trauma with protective eyewear.
- Regular eye check-ups, especially if there is a family history.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden changes in vision.
- Increased difficulty seeing at night.
- Halos or glaring around lights.

#### Additional Resources
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology: [aao.org](https://www.aao.org)
- The National Keratoconus Foundation: [NKCF.org](http://www.nkcf.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure correct bilateral coding by noting both eyes are affected.
- Cross-reference with patient history for any related procedural complications (e.g., post-LASIK).
- Avoid confusing with monocular cases of corneal ectasia.

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