Name of the Condition

• Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Bilateral, Stage Unspecified (H35.3130)
• Also known as "dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)" or "atrophic macular degeneration".

Summary

• Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. It leads to a gradual vision impairment but usually progresses slower compared to its exudative counterpart.

Causes

• The exact cause is unknown, but it involves the cell degeneration of the macula. Factors such as oxidative stress and impaired removal of cellular debris are suspected to contribute.

Risk Factors

• Age (most common in individuals over 60)
• Family history of AMD
• Smoking
• High blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Obesity
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Poor diet low in leafy greens and antioxidants

Symptoms

• Blurred or reduced central vision
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• Need for brighter light when reading or doing close work
• Gradual increase in difficulty adapting to low light levels

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
• Fundus photography
• Amsler grid test to check for vision distortion

Treatment Options

• There is currently no cure, but progression can be slowed.
• Nutritional supplements (AREDS2 formula)
• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., quitting smoking, diet improvement)
• Low vision aids (e.g., magnifiers)

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The condition is progressive and can lead to significant vision impairment over time.
• Regular eye exams are essential to monitor changes in vision and update management strategies.

Complications

• Severe vision loss impacting daily activities
• Potential transition to the more severe exudative form

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Consuming a diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and antioxidants
• Maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising regularly
• Protecting eyes from UV light with sunglasses
• Not smoking

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in vision
• Difficulty seeing in low light situations
• New distortions in central vision

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org)
• The Macular Degeneration Foundation (mdfoundation.com)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure to code the condition as bilateral and specify nonexudative nature.
• Avoid confusion between exudative and nonexudative forms despite similar naming conventions.
• Verify staging if specified, as this code is unspecified for staging.