H43.819 Vitreous degeneration, unspecified eye

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Vitreous Degeneration, Unspecified Eye**
- Common terms: Vitreous deterioration, Age-related vitreous degeneration

#### Summary
- Vitreous degeneration refers to changes or deterioration in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance filling the eye. These changes can affect vision, often leading to floaters or flashes of light.

#### Causes
- Natural aging process is the primary cause.
- Less commonly, it can be linked to eye inflammation, injury, or certain eye diseases.

#### Risk Factors
- Aging, particularly in those over 50.
- History of eye diseases or trauma.
- Near-sightedness (myopia) is known to contribute to changes in the vitreous humor.

#### Symptoms
- Floaters: Small moving spots or shapes in your field of vision.
- Flashes of light in the peripheral vision.
- Blurred vision.

#### Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye exam.
- Use of slit-lamp examination to view the vitreous.
- Ultrasound might be used if the view of the vitreous is obscured.

#### Treatment Options
- Most cases do not require treatment and symptoms may diminish over time.
- In severe cases, surgery such as a vitrectomy may be performed to remove the vitreous gel and replace it with a saline solution.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Generally, prognosis is good with proper monitoring; however, symptoms like floaters often persist.
- Regular eye exams are advised to monitor changes.

#### Complications
- Potential progression to retinal detachment or tears if not monitored properly.
- Risk of more severe vision impairment if complications are not addressed.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular eye check-ups can help monitor changes.
- Protecting eyes from injury and maintaining overall health to prevent exacerbations.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden increase in floaters or flashes.
- Loss of peripheral vision or sudden visual disturbances.

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: [aao.org](https://www.aao.org)
- National Eye Institute: [nei.nih.gov](https://www.nei.nih.gov)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the correct laterality is coded if specified; this code is for unspecified eye conditions.
- Verify associated conditions or symptoms such as retinal tears for accurate coding.
- Avoid overlooking the condition in comprehensive eye exams where multiple disorders might be documented.

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