H35.3221 Exudative age-related macular degeneration, left eye, with active choroidal neovascularization

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Left Eye, with Active Choroidal Neovascularization
- Also known as Wet AMD or Neovascular AMD

#### Summary
Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration is an eye condition that affects the left eye, leading to vision loss due to abnormal blood vessel growth underneath the retina. This growth can cause fluid leakage and damage to the macula, which is responsible for sharp, central vision.

#### Causes
- Age-related changes in the eye.
- Development of abnormal blood vessels (choroidal neovascularization) beneath the retina.
- Genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

#### Risk Factors
- Advanced age (commonly affecting individuals over 50 years).
- Family history of AMD.
- Smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure.
- Caucasian ethnicity.

#### Symptoms
- Blurred or reduced central vision.
- Difficulty recognizing faces.
- Straight lines appearing wavy (metamorphopsia).
- Dark or empty areas in the central vision field.

#### Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examinations including visual acuity tests and retinal imaging.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal thickness and fluid accumulation.
- Fluorescein angiography to identify abnormal blood vessel growth.

#### Treatment Options
- Anti-VEGF injections (e.g., bevacizumab, ranibizumab) to inhibit blood vessel growth.
- Photodynamic therapy using light-activated drugs to destroy abnormal vessels.
- Laser coagulation to seal leaking blood vessels, though less common now.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Early detection and treatment can help slow vision loss, though vision recovery is limited.
- Regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist is essential to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy.

#### Complications
- Severe vision impairment or blindness if left untreated.
- Risk of detachment or tearing of the retina due to extensive bleeding.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Quitting smoking and managing blood pressure.
- Consuming a nutrient-rich diet with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Wearing sunglasses to protect eyes from harmful UV radiation.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden changes in vision, new visual distortions, or loss of central vision.
- Any significant symptoms or concerns about vision should prompt immediate consultation with an eye care professional.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Ophthalmology](https://www.aao.org)
- [Macular Degeneration Association](https://macularhope.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure specificity by including the laterality (left eye) and activity status (active choroidal neovascularization).
- Verify the code matches clinical documentation and conforms to ICD-10 conventions.
- Avoid confusing this condition with non-exudative (dry) AMD or bilateral conditions.

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