H44.23 Degenerative myopia, bilateral

ICD10CM code

#### Degenerative Myopia, Bilateral
- Also known as high myopia or pathological myopia.

#### Summary
Degenerative myopia, bilateral, is a severe form of nearsightedness that affects both eyes. It causes the eyeball to elongate excessively, leading to deteriorating vision and potentially severe complications if not managed properly.

#### Causes
The condition is often hereditary, suggesting a strong genetic component. Environmental factors, such as close-up work and a lack of outdoor activities during childhood, may contribute to its development.

#### Risk Factors
- Family history of myopia.
- East Asian ethnicity.
- Prolonged close-up work.
- Limited time spent outdoors during childhood.

#### Symptoms
- Blurry distance vision.
- Difficulty seeing well in low light.
- Increased floaters or flashes of light.
- Sudden vision loss if associated with complications like retinal detachment.

#### Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including:
- Visual acuity test.
- Dilated eye exam.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT).
- Ultrasonography if retinal detachment is suspected.

#### Treatment Options
- **Corrective lenses**: Glasses or contact lenses for vision correction.
- **Laser treatments**: Like photodynamic therapy for specific complications.
- **Surgery**: Such as scleral reinforcement or retinal repair if detachment occurs.
- **Medications**: May include eye drops to manage underlying conditions or reduce elongation.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
The condition can lead to significant visual impairment if unmanaged. Regular monitoring is crucial to detect and address complications early. Patients often require lifelong follow-up with an eye specialist.

#### Complications
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Encourage breaks from close-up work.
- Increase time spent on outdoor activities, especially during childhood.
- Regular eye check-ups for early detection.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden vision changes, an increase in floaters, or flashes of light.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Ophthalmology](https://www.aao.org)
- [Myopia Institute](https://www.myopiainstitute.org/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure bilateral distinction when coding H44.23.
- Review patient history for chronic symptoms to avoid miscoding acute conditions.
- Be precise with laterality, as unspecified codes could lead to denial of claims.

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