Chronic angle-closure glaucoma, left eye, mild stage
ICD10CM code
Name of the Condition
- Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma, Left Eye, Mild Stage
- Also referred to as chronic narrow-angle glaucoma.
Summary
Chronic angle-closure glaucoma is an eye condition where the drainage angle of the eye becomes partially blocked, leading to increased intraocular pressure and potential damage to the optic nerve. In this specific case, it affects the left eye and is currently at a mild stage, meaning there are minimal or no symptoms, but potential for gradual vision loss over time if untreated.
Causes
The exact cause of angle-closure glaucoma often involves anatomical abnormalities in the eye's structure, particularly the lens being too thick or positioned forward. Age-related changes, such as cataract formation, can also contribute to narrowing the angle.
Risk Factors
- Increased age, often affecting those over 40.
- Family history of glaucoma.
- Asian or Inuit descent.
- Farsightedness (hyperopia).
- Certain medications that dilate the pupils.
Symptoms
- In mild stages, symptoms may not be apparent.
- Blurred vision.
- Halos around lights.
- Mild headaches.
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye exam.
- Gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle.
- Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure.
- Optical coherence tomography to assess optic nerve damage.
Treatment Options
- Medications: To reduce eye pressure, such as topical beta-blockers or alpha agonists.
- Laser Therapy: Laser peripheral iridotomy creates a small hole in the iris to improve fluid drainage.
- Surgery: In some cases, procedures like trabeculectomy may be necessary.
Prognosis and Follow-Up
With early detection and treatment, the prognosis is generally good, with a focus on preventing progression. Regular check-ups are important to monitor intraocular pressure and optic nerve health.
Complications
- Worsening vision or vision loss.
- Severe headaches.
- Further eye pain or red eye if the condition progresses to an acute stage.
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular eye exams, especially if you are at risk.
- Avoidance of activities that may increase eye pressure.
- Use prescribed eye drops regularly.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden onset of severe pain in the eye or surrounding region.
- Sudden loss of vision.
- Persistent headache, nausea, or vomiting.
Additional Resources
Tips for Medical Coders
- Verify that "chronic" and "mild stage" are documented in the medical record to ensure appropriate coding.
- Ensure laterality (left eye) is clearly documented.
- Avoid miscoding by confusing with other types of glaucoma, such as open-angle or secondary glaucoma.