Codes / ICD10CM / H44.23

H44.23 Degenerative myopia, bilateral

ICD10CM code

ICD10CM

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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

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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