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Degenerative myopia, left eye

ICD10CM code

Name of the Condition

  • Degenerative Myopia, Left Eye
  • Also known as pathologic myopia or progressive myopia.

Summary

  • Degenerative myopia is a condition characterized by the elongation of the eyeball, leading to progressive vision impairment. It primarily affects one eye, in this case, the left eye, and can result in severe vision loss if not properly managed.

Causes

  • The exact cause of degenerative myopia is not fully understood but is believed to have a significant genetic component. Environmental and lifestyle factors may also contribute.

Risk Factors

  • Family history of myopia.
  • High degree of nearsightedness from an early age.
  • Certain geographical or ethnic factors.

Symptoms

  • Blurred or distorted vision.
  • Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
  • Increased floaters or flashes of light.
  • Eye strain or headaches.

Diagnosis

  • Comprehensive eye examination.
  • Retinal imaging and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography).
  • Measurement of refractive error.

Treatment Options

  • Prescription lenses to correct vision deficiencies.
  • Medications such as atropine eye drops to slow progression.
  • Surgical interventions, including laser procedures or lens implants, for severe cases.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

  • Regular monitoring is essential to manage progression.
  • With timely and effective treatment, the progression may be slowed, preserving vision.

Complications

  • Retinal detachment.
  • Glaucoma.
  • Macular degeneration.

Lifestyle & Prevention

  • Regular eye check-ups to detect early changes.
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise.
  • Protecting eyes from excessive strain and UV light.

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Sudden vision changes or loss.
  • Increased floaters or flashes that may indicate retinal issues.

Additional Resources

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
  • Myopia Institute
  • National Eye Institute (NEI)

Tips for Medical Coders

  • Ensure the laterality is correctly documented as "left eye" using the code H44.22.
  • Verify any additional conditions that may require coding along with degenerative myopia, such as retinal detachment or other eye-specific diagnoses.

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