Name of the Condition

• Unspecified open-angle glaucoma, severe stage
• Medical term: H40.10X3

Summary

Unspecified open-angle glaucoma, severe stage, is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, potentially leading to significant vision loss or blindness if not managed properly.

Causes

The exact cause of open-angle glaucoma is not well-understood but may include poor drainage of aqueous humor in the eye, leading to increased eye pressure. Genetic predispositions, age-related changes, and other unknown factors can also contribute.

Risk Factors

• Age (over 40 years)
• Family history of glaucoma
• African, Asian, or Hispanic descent
• High intraocular pressure
• Medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension
• Long-term corticosteroid use

Symptoms

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages
• Headaches
• Mild eye pain
• Blurred vision

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
• Ophthalmoscopy to inspect the optic nerve
• Visual field test to assess peripheral vision loss
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for detailed imaging

Treatment Options

• Medications to lower eye pressure (e.g., eye drops like prostaglandins, beta blockers)
• Laser therapy (trabeculoplasty) to improve drainage
• Surgical procedures (trabeculectomy, drainage implants) to reduce intraocular pressure
• Regular monitoring to track disease progression

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With appropriate treatment and monitoring, progression can be slowed, preserving vision. Patients typically need lifelong follow-up to manage intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.

Complications

• Severe vision loss or blindness
• Complications from treatment such as eye infections or cataracts

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye exams for early detection
• Protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries
• Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and exercise
• Avoid smoking and manage systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden change or loss of vision
• Persistent eye pain or redness
• Severe headache or eye strain

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology website
• Glaucoma Research Foundation website
• National Eye Institute website

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm the diagnosis of unspecified severe open-angle glaucoma through detailed medical records.
• Ensure accurate staging (severe stage) is documented.
• Avoid coding errors by distinguishing between primary open-angle glaucoma and other types of glaucoma stages.