Name of the Condition

• Regular astigmatism, bilateral (ICD-10-CM Code: H52.223)
• Also simply known as "Astigmatism."

Summary

• Regular astigmatism is a common vision condition where the cornea or lens of the eye has an irregular curvature, causing blurred or distorted vision. When it occurs bilaterally, it affects both eyes.

Causes

• Generally considered to be congenital, resulting from an imperfectly shaped cornea.
• Can also develop due to eye surgery, injury, or diseases affecting the eye.

Risk Factors

• Family history of astigmatism.
• History of eye injuries or surgeries.
• Eye conditions such as keratoconus.

Symptoms

• Blurred or distorted vision at any distance.
• Eye strain or discomfort.
• Headaches and difficulty with night vision.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity tests.
• Keratometry or corneal topography to measure curvature of the cornea.
• Refraction assessment to determine lens prescription.

Treatment Options

• Glasses or Contact Lenses: Correct vision by compensating for the uneven curvature.
• Refractive Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK can reshape the cornea for permanent correction.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With proper correction, individuals can achieve good vision.
• Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor any changes in vision or eye health.

Complications

• Without proper correction, can lead to chronic eye strain and headaches.
• Might impact tasks requiring fine vision, such as reading or driving.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• No definite prevention, but regular eye check-ups can help manage or detect changes early.
• Wearing protective eyewear to avoid injury.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in vision, persistent headaches, or eye discomfort should prompt an eye examination.

Additional Resources

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

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate laterality by noting "bilateral" astigmatism when coding.
• Double-check for combinations with any other refractive errors for precise coding.
• Confirm the condition is regular as per diagnostic assessments to avoid miscoding as irregular astigmatism.