H20.13 Chronic iridocyclitis, bilateral

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Chronic iridocyclitis, bilateral

#### Summary
- Chronic iridocyclitis, bilateral, is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting both the iris and ciliary body of the eyes. It can cause redness, pain, and visual disturbances in affected individuals.

#### Causes
- The exact cause is often unknown, but it can be associated with autoimmune disorders, infections, or trauma to the eyes. Sometimes it is linked to systemic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

#### Risk Factors
- Having an autoimmune disease, a family history of eye conditions, or suffering from a systemic inflammatory disease increases the risk of developing iridocyclitis. Certain infections may also predispose individuals to this condition.

#### Symptoms
- Patients typically experience eye redness, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and floaters. Bilateral presentation means both eyes are affected.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is primarily clinical, involving a detailed eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Tests like slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement, and possibly blood tests or imaging may be used to rule out systemic causes.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. Corticosteroid eye drops are commonly prescribed. In severe cases, systemic medications or immunosuppressants may be required. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor the condition and response to treatment.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With appropriate treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively. However, because it's a chronic condition, continuous monitoring and possibly lifelong management are required to prevent complications and maintain good vision.

#### Complications
- If not adequately treated, chronic iridocyclitis can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataracts, or permanent vision loss. Continual inflammation may cause damage to eye structures.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- While there is no definitive way to prevent chronic iridocyclitis, maintaining overall health through a balanced diet and regular exercise may help. Managing underlying systemic diseases and avoiding eye injuries can decrease risk.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Immediate medical attention is warranted if there are sudden visual disturbances, severe eye pain, or significant changes in vision, as these may indicate serious complications.

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: [aao.org](https://www.aao.org)
- National Eye Institute: [nei.nih.gov](https://www.nei.nih.gov)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the bilaterality of the condition is clearly documented to accurately use ICD code H20.13.
- Verify the chronic nature of the condition through documentation, distinguishing it from acute iridocyclitis, which has a different code.

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