H26.219 Cataract with neovascularization, unspecified eye

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Cataract with Neovascularization, Unspecified Eye

#### Summary
Cataract with neovascularization refers to a clouding of the eye's lens accompanied by the abnormal growth of new blood vessels. While cataracts typically affect vision by blurring the eye’s natural lens, neovascularization can lead to further complications and visual impairment.

#### Causes
Cataracts can occur due to aging, diabetes, trauma, or radiation exposure. Neovascularization often occurs as a response to ischemia or lack of oxygen in tissues, commonly seen in diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion.

#### Risk Factors
- Advanced age
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight

#### Symptoms
- Blurred or double vision
- Increased difficulty with vision at night
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Seeing "halos" around lights
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Abnormal blood vessel growth on the eye’s surface

#### Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Slit-lamp examination
- Retinal imaging using optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Fluorescein angiography to assess blood vessel growth

#### Treatment Options
- **Cataract Surgery**: Replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one to restore vision.
- **Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Injections**: Helps to reduce neovascularization and maintain vision.
- **Laser Treatment**: Photocoagulation to manage abnormal blood vessels.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
Early treatment generally leads to good outcomes, with many experiencing restored vision post-surgery. Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor for potential recurrences or complications such as intraocular pressure increases.

#### Complications
- Increased risk of retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Persistent visual impairment if untreated

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Manage diabetes effectively through diet, exercise, and medications
- Protect eyes from excessive sunlight with sunglasses
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Regular eye examinations, especially for those with risk factors

#### When to Seek Professional Help
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing sudden vision changes, loss of vision, or persistent eye pain, which could indicate complications.

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

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate documentation of both cataract and neovascularization to support the specific ICD code H26.219.
- Verify laterality is indeed unspecified; otherwise, use appropriate codes for specified eye involvement.

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