Name of the Condition

• Official Name: Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Bilateral, Advanced Atrophic Without Subfoveal Involvement
• Common Name: Dry AMD, Advanced Atrophic AMD

Summary

Nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition leading to vision loss in older adults. It affects the macula, the central part of the retina, causing central vision impairment. In its advanced atrophic form, tissue degeneration occurs without fluid leakage, impacting both eyes without involving the subfoveal region.

Causes

• Primarily linked to age-related changes in the retina.
• Genetic predispositions may play a role.
• Environmental factors such as oxidative stress may contribute.

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in individuals over 60.
• Family history of AMD.
• Smoking and high blood pressure.
• Caucasian race.
• Poor diet lacking in antioxidants.

Symptoms

• Blurred or reduced central vision.
• Difficulty recognizing faces.
• Trouble adapting to low light levels.
• Seeing shadowy areas in your central vision.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity testing.
• Amsler grid tests for vision distortion.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to view retina cross-sections.
• Fundus photography to detect changes in the macula.

Treatment Options

• Currently, no cure for dry AMD.
• Nutritional supplements (AREDS2 formula) can slow progression.
• Low vision aids to maximize remaining vision.
• Lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Slow progression compared to wet AMD.
• Regular eye exams necessary to monitor changes.
• Visual rehabilitation may help maintain quality of life.

Complications

• Increased risk of developing wet AMD, which involves rapid vision loss.
• Potential impact on quality of life and independence.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Quit smoking and manage hypertension.
• Healthy diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Protect eyes from ultraviolet light exposure.
• Regular eye check-ups to detect changes early.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in vision.
• New distortion or blurring of central vision.
• Difficulty with color perception.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org)
• Macular Degeneration Association (www.macularhope.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Double-check laterality and severity when coding bilateral cases.
• Avoid confusing with neovascular (wet) AMD, which has different codes.
• Ensure correct documentation of the absence of subfoveal involvement.