Name of the Condition

• Age-related Nuclear Cataract, Bilateral
• Technical term: H25.13

Summary

Age-related nuclear cataract, bilateral, refers to the clouding of the central part of the lens (nucleus) in both eyes, commonly seen in older adults. This condition can gradually impair vision, making everyday activities challenging.

Causes

The primary cause is aging, resulting in changes to the proteins and fibers within the lens of the eye. This process leads to the gradual loss of transparency.

Risk Factors

• Age: Most common in individuals over 60.
• Family history: Genetic predisposition.
• Smoking & Alcohol use: Increases risk.
• Diabetes: Higher likelihood of developing cataracts.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight (UV rays): Can accelerate cataract formation.

Symptoms

• Blurry or cloudy vision.
• Increased difficulty seeing at night.
• Sensitivity to light and glare.
• Need for brighter light when reading or doing close work.
• Fading or yellowing of colors.
• Double vision in one eye.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination including:
  • Visual acuity test.
  • Slit-lamp examination.
  • Retinal examination.
  • Application of dilating eye drops to better view the lens.

Treatment Options

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses: Initially used to improve vision.
• Surgery: Cataract surgery is the most effective treatment, involving the removal of the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Surgery generally restores vision effectively.
• Regular follow-up with eye care professionals is important to monitor eye health and vision changes.

Complications

• Untreated cataracts can lead to significant vision impairment or blindness.
• Post-surgery complications such as infection or retinal detachment, though rare, can occur.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
• Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption.
• Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes.
• Regular eye examinations for early detection.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden loss of vision.
• Persistent pain or redness in the eye.
• Unusual eye discharge or flashes of light.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• National Eye Institute
• Local or online patient support groups for those living with cataracts.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the side (bilateral) is correctly documented.
• Differentiate between age-related and other forms of cataracts to avoid miscoding.
• Confirm and document the presence of symptoms in both eyes for accurate coding.