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Primary open-angle glaucoma, left eye, indeterminate stage
ICD10CM code
Name of the Condition
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Left Eye, Indeterminate Stage (POAG)
Summary
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is a chronic eye condition characterized by gradual vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. It affects the left eye and is often asymptomatic in the early stages, leading to potential late diagnoses.
Causes
- POAG is primarily caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) due to insufficient drainage of aqueous humor from the eye. Genetics play a significant role, and there's also an association with other health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes.
Risk Factors
- Age (common in people over 40)
- Family history of glaucoma
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Ethnic background (higher prevalence in African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians)
Symptoms
- Initially, there may be no symptoms. As the condition progresses, patients may experience:
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Difficulty adjusting to different light conditions
Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination, including:
- Tonometry to measure IOP
- Ophthalmoscopy to inspect the optic nerve
- Perimetry to assess visual field loss
- Gonioscopy to examine drainage angle
Treatment Options
- Medications: Eye drops to reduce IOP by decreasing aqueous humor production or improving drainage.
- Laser Therapy: Trabeculoplasty to enhance fluid outflow for better pressure management.
- Surgery: Procedures such as trabeculectomy or implanting drainage devices to lower eye pressure.
Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With timely management, progression can be slowed, preserving vision. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor IOP and optic nerve health. Untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Complications
- Potential for complete vision loss if untreated.
- Increased risk of falls and accidents due to impaired vision.
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular eye exams especially if at risk
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet
- Avoiding smoking and managing diabetes and hypertension to support eye health
When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, or halos around lights require immediate medical attention.
Additional Resources
Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the correct eye (left) is coded as treatment and prognosis may differ.
- Confirm the correct ICD code based on the stage if known; use H40.1124 for indeterminate stage to avoid misclassification.