Name of the Condition

• Abnormal Electro-oculogram [EOG]

Summary

Abnormal Electro-oculogram (EOG) refers to irregular results in a test measuring the electrical activity of the eyes. This test assesses the function of the retina and the ocular muscles, primarily to diagnose retinal disorders.

Causes

Known causes of abnormal EOG include retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa or other degenerative retinal conditions. It may also result from damage to the pathways that carry signals from the eyes to the brain.

Risk Factors

• Family history of retinal degenerative disorders.
• Age-related eye diseases.
• Prolonged exposure to bright light or radiation.
• Prior eye injuries or surgeries.

Symptoms

While an abnormal EOG itself does not present symptoms, its underlying causes might include:

• Vision loss or disturbance.
• Night blindness.
• Decreased peripheral vision.

Diagnosis

An abnormal EOG is diagnosed using the Electro-oculography test, which involves measuring the corneo-retinal standing potential in dim and bright light conditions to assess retinal and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) function.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Retinal disorders may require medications, vitamin supplements, or surgical interventions.
• Low vision aids may be prescribed to help manage vision loss.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

The prognosis varies widely based on the underlying condition causing the abnormal EOG. Regular follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist are crucial to monitor disease progression and adjust treatments as needed.

Complications

If the condition underlying the abnormal EOG is not treated, there may be risks of:

• Permanent vision loss.
• Difficulty with daily activities due to decreased vision.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular eye examinations for early detection of retinal issues.
• Protection of eyes from excessive sunlight.
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vision-supporting nutrients like vitamins A and E.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek professional help if experiencing noticeable changes in vision, such as persistent blurriness, difficulty seeing in low light, or reduced peripheral vision.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): aao.org
• Foundation Fighting Blindness: fightingblindness.org
• National Eye Institute: nei.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Verify the specific test results indicating an abnormal EOG before coding.
• Ensure that any associated conditions or symptoms are accurately documented for comprehensive coding.
• Avoid misclassification by differentiating between abnormal EOG results and the conditions they may indicate.