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Primary open-angle glaucoma, bilateral, moderate stage
ICD10CM code
Name of the Condition
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Bilateral, Moderate Stage
- Also known as: Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma
Summary
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a chronic eye condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye that leads to optic nerve damage. Being bilateral means it affects both eyes.
Causes
- The exact cause is unknown, but it is associated with a gradual blockage of the eye’s drainage canals, resulting in increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
Risk Factors
- Age: Commonly affects individuals over 40.
- Family History: Genetic predisposition plays a role.
- Race: Higher prevalence in African Americans and Hispanics.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and myopia.
Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic in the early stages.
- Progressive loss of peripheral vision.
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages.
Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination.
- Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure.
- Visual field testing.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess optic nerve damage.
Treatment Options
- Medications: Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Laser Therapy: To improve drainage of aqueous fluid from the eye.
- Surgery: Procedures like trabeculectomy to create a new drainage pathway.
Each treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.
Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With early detection and consistent treatment, vision can often be preserved.
- Regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist is essential to manage IOP and track disease progression.
Complications
- Severe visual impairment or blindness if left untreated or unmanaged.
- Impact on quality of life due to vision loss.
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular eye examinations, especially for those over 40 or with risk factors.
- Protect eyes from injuries and UV exposure.
- Manage systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension diligently.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden loss of vision or severe eye pain requires immediate medical attention.
- Routine eye check-ups if you belong to high-risk groups.
Additional Resources
Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure both the diagnosis of bilateral glaucoma and the stage (moderate) are documented.
- Verify proper notation of laterality (bilateral) and stage to avoid miscoding errors.
- Remember that coding can differ if complications or comorbidities are present.