H53.033 Strabismic amblyopia, bilateral

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Strabismic Amblyopia, Bilateral**
- Also known as "lazy eye" when caused by misaligned eyes.

#### Summary
Strabismic amblyopia, bilateral, is a vision development disorder where the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to poorer vision in both eyes. This condition occurs when misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) causes the brain to ignore input from the affected eyes.

#### Causes
- Misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) from infancy or early childhood.
- Brain's adaptation to avoid double vision by ignoring input from one or both eyes.

#### Risk Factors
- Family history of strabismus or amblyopia.
- Genetic predispositions.
- Developmental delays or neurological issues.
- Premature birth or low birth weight.

#### Symptoms
- Reduced vision in both eyes despite the use of corrective lenses.
- Eyes appear crossed or misaligned.
- Poor depth perception.
- Squinting or closing one eye to see better.

#### Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination including visual acuity tests.
- Assessment of eye alignment and binocular function.
- Possible use of refraction tests to evaluate vision clarity.

#### Treatment Options
- Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct vision issues.
- Eye patching or use of atropine drops to strengthen weaker eyes.
- Vision therapy to develop better eye coordination.
- Surgery to correct eye alignment if necessary.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Early diagnosis and treatment have a better prognosis for improved vision.
- Regular follow-ups with an ophthalmologist or optometrist are crucial for monitoring progress.
- Vision improvements can continue over months or even years with treatment.

#### Complications
- Permanent vision impairment if not treated effectively.
- Risk of social or developmental impacts due to poor vision.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular eye examinations for early detection, especially in children.
- Encourage visual activities that use both eyes together.
- No specific preventive measures as this is often a developmental condition.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- If you notice a child appearing cross-eyed or having trouble focusing.
- Sudden changes in vision or eye alignment should be evaluated promptly.

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

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the condition is specified as "bilateral" for accurate coding.
- Verify that the root cause is due to strabismus before using this code.
- Avoid confusing with unilateral amblyopia or non-strabismic types.

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