H26.003 Unspecified infantile and juvenile cataract, bilateral

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Unspecified Infantile and Juvenile Cataract, Bilateral**
- Technical term: H26.003

#### Summary
Bilateral unspecified infantile and juvenile cataracts refer to the clouding of the lens in the eyes of children, affecting both eyes. This condition can lead to blurry vision or vision loss if not treated.

#### Causes
- Genetic mutations or hereditary diseases.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Congenital infections (e.g., rubella).
- Trauma or injury to the eye.

#### Risk Factors
- Family history of cataracts.
- Certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome).
- Diabetes in the child.
- Previous surgeries or intraocular inflammations.

#### Symptoms
- Cloudy or blurry vision.
- Visible whitening behind the pupil.
- Difficulty seeing in bright light.
- Rapid eye movements or nystagmus.

#### Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination.
- Slit-lamp examination.
- Ultrasound of the eye.
- Genetic testing in some cases.

#### Treatment Options
- Surgical removal of the cataract, followed by corrective lenses or intraocular lens implantation.
- Regular eye exams post-surgery to adjust vision correction as needed.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Early treatment typically results in good visual outcomes.
- Continuous follow-up is essential to manage vision and monitor possible complications.

#### Complications
- Untreated cataracts can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) or permanent vision loss.
- Post-operative complications may include inflammation or a need for lens replacement adjustments.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Eye protection to prevent trauma.
- Maternal vaccinations and prenatal care to prevent congenital infections.
- Routine pediatric eye examinations to catch issues early.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Cloudiness in the child's eyes.
- Noticeable changes in visual behavior or vision complaints.
- Abnormal eye movements or perceived vision loss.

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

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Confirm the bilateral nature of the cataracts when coding.
- Ensure clarity in documentation if the cataracts are indeed unspecified.
- Avoid confusion with unilateral cataract cases (coded differently).

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