Name of the Condition

• Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma, Bilateral, Indeterminate Stage

Summary

• Chronic angle-closure glaucoma is a common eye condition where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to increased intraocular pressure and potential damage to the optic nerve. It typically affects both eyes and can progress slowly, making early detection and consistent monitoring essential.

Causes

• The condition often results from anatomical predispositions where the angle between the iris and cornea is narrower, leading to restricted fluid drainage. It may also be influenced by genetic factors or an individual's natural lens growth over time.

Risk Factors

• Age (more common in adults over 40), family history of glaucoma, individuals of Asian descent, and those with farsightedness are at a higher risk. Some medications and certain eye anatomy can also increase susceptibility.

Symptoms

• Initial symptoms may be subtle, including mild eye discomfort or blurred vision. As it progresses, patients might experience halos around lights, severe headaches, or nausea accompanying eye pain.

Diagnosis

• Eye care professionals use a comprehensive eye examination, including a gonioscopy to assess the drainage angle, tonometry to measure intraocular pressure, and visual field testing to evaluate peripheral vision.

Treatment Options

• Treatments can include medications, such as eye drops, to reduce intraocular pressure, laser therapy, or surgical procedures to improve fluid drainage. Each treatment aims to prevent further optic nerve damage.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With early detection and consistent treatment, most patients can preserve their vision and maintain a good quality of life. Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor eye pressure and optic nerve health.

Complications

• Without proper management, chronic angle-closure glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss or blindness due to optic nerve damage from sustained high intraocular pressure.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• While some factors are unmodifiable, regular eye exams are vital for early detection, especially for those at higher risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can contribute to overall eye health.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention should be sought if experiencing severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, or seeing halos around lights, indicating a potential acute angle-closure attack.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Research Foundation, support groups available through local hospitals or health networks.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure bilateral code specification and accurate identification of the condition's stage. Verify if the stage is determined to avoid misclassification and confirm that associated risk factors or procedures are properly coded.