Name of the Condition

• Vitreous membranes and strands, bilateral
• ICD-10 Code: H43.313
• Also known as vitreous opacities or vitreous floaters.

Summary

Vitreous membranes and strands refer to the formation of fibrous tissues or floaters in the clear gel-like substance (vitreous humor) filling the eye. In a bilateral condition, this occurs in both eyes, potentially affecting vision clarity.

Causes

This condition often results from the natural aging process as the vitreous gel liquefies and shrinks, causing strands or clumps to form. Other causes might include eye trauma, inflammation, or complications from eye surgeries.

Risk Factors

• Age (more common in individuals over 50)
• Previous eye injuries or surgery
• Conditions like myopia or diabetic retinopathy
• Inflammation in the eye (uveitis)

Symptoms

• The appearance of spots, cobwebs, or streaks in vision (commonly called floaters)
• Shadows or decreased clarity in vision

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Slit-lamp examination by an ophthalmologist
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound imaging if needed

Treatment Options

• Observation for mild cases, as floaters may settle over time.
• Vitrectomy surgery to remove the vitreous strands if they significantly impair vision.
• Laser therapy (vitreolysis) might be considered, although it's less common.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The condition is generally benign with a good prognosis.
• Regular ophthalmic check-ups are crucial to monitor vision changes and complications.
• Some floaters may improve, while others might persist without significant impact.

Complications

• Rarely, extensive vitreous changes can lead to retinal detachment.
• Potential risk of vision loss if complications arise.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye check-ups for early detection.
• Protective eyewear to prevent trauma.
• Managing underlying conditions like diabetes.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light.
• Immediate attention if there is a sudden loss of vision or "curtain" appearance over the vision.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology [aao.org]
• National Eye Institute [nei.nih.gov]

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate lateral coding; H43.313 specifies bilateral involvement.
• Verify the condition is not a symptom of a treatable or separate systemic condition.
• Avoid common errors like unilateral or unspecified codes for this bilateral condition.