Name of the Condition

• Combined forms of age-related cataract, bilateral (ICD-10: H25.813)

Summary

• This condition refers to cataracts that develop due to aging and affect both eyes. Cataracts involve clouding and loss of transparency of the natural lens of the eye, leading to impaired vision.

Causes

• Primarily caused by aging and changes in the proteins and fibers within the eye lens over time.

Risk Factors

• Age.
• Family history of cataracts.
• Excessive sunlight exposure (UV radiation).
• Diabetes.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Previous eye injuries or surgeries.

Symptoms

• Blurred or cloudy vision.
• Difficulty seeing at night.
• Sensitivity to light and glare.
• Seeing "halos" around lights.
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
• Fading or yellowing of colors.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
• Slit-lamp examination.
• Retina examination.
• Visual acuity test to determine how well a person can see.

Treatment Options

• Initially, improved lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or stronger prescription lenses may help.
• Cataract surgery is the definitive treatment, where the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens to restore clear vision.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Cataract surgery is generally safe and effective, with a high success rate.
• Regular follow-up appointments post-surgery to monitor eye health and ensure proper healing.

Complications

• If untreated, cataracts can lead to severe vision impairment or blindness.
• Potential surgical complications, though rare, include infection and retinal detachment.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye examinations to detect changes early.
• Protecting eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Suddenly losing vision or experiencing eye pain.
• Significant change in vision quality, including noticing halos or increased glare.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org).
• National Eye Institute (nei.nih.gov).
• Local support groups for individuals with vision impairment.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the bilateral nature of the cataract is noted when coding.
• Double-check that the code H25.813 is used for age-related cataracts affecting both eyes.
• Avoid confusing with codes for unilateral cataracts or secondary causes.