ICD-10: H52.223

Regular astigmatism, bilateral, is classified under the ICD-10-CM code H52.223. This condition is a type of refractive error that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly spherical, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Below is a detailed clinical description and relevant information regarding this diagnosis.

Clinical Description of Regular Astigmatism

Definition

Regular astigmatism is characterized by an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, which causes light rays to focus on multiple points rather than a single point on the retina. This results in a distortion of vision, where objects may appear stretched or blurred. When the condition is bilateral, it affects both eyes.

Symptoms

Patients with bilateral regular astigmatism may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches, particularly after prolonged visual tasks
- Squinting to see clearly

Causes

The primary cause of regular astigmatism is the shape of the cornea or lens. It can be present at birth (congenital) or develop over time due to factors such as:
- Genetic predisposition
- Eye injuries
- Certain eye surgeries
- Keratoconus, a condition where the cornea becomes progressively thinner and more conical in shape

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of regular astigmatism typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:
- Visual acuity tests to assess clarity of vision
- Keratometry to measure the curvature of the cornea
- Refraction tests to determine the appropriate lens prescription

Treatment

Treatment options for bilateral regular astigmatism may include:
- Eyeglasses: Prescription lenses that compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea.
- Contact lenses: Toric lenses specifically designed to correct astigmatism.
- Refractive surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or PRK that reshape the cornea to improve vision.

Coding and Billing Information

ICD-10 Code

The specific ICD-10-CM code for regular astigmatism, bilateral, is H52.223. This code is used for billing and documentation purposes in healthcare settings, ensuring accurate representation of the patient's condition.

Related Codes

• H52.22: Regular astigmatism (unspecified) is another related code that may be used when the astigmatism is not specified as bilateral.

Importance of Accurate Coding

Accurate coding is crucial for proper billing, insurance claims, and maintaining comprehensive medical records. It also aids in the collection of data for epidemiological studies and healthcare planning.

Conclusion

Regular astigmatism, bilateral (H52.223), is a common refractive error that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Understanding its clinical features, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for effective management. Proper coding and documentation are vital for ensuring that patients receive appropriate care and that healthcare providers are reimbursed accurately for their services. If you suspect you have astigmatism or experience any related symptoms, it is advisable to consult an eye care professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Regular astigmatism, classified under ICD-10 code H52.223, is a common refractive error characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Understanding its clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics is essential for effective diagnosis and management.

Clinical Presentation

Definition and Types

Regular astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens is more curved in one direction than the other, resulting in two different focal points. It can be classified into:
- Myopic Astigmatism: Where one or both principal meridians are nearsighted.
- Hyperopic Astigmatism: Where one or both principal meridians are farsighted.

Patient Characteristics

Patients with bilateral regular astigmatism may present with varying degrees of severity, often influenced by genetic factors, age, and environmental conditions. It is commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age. Individuals with a family history of refractive errors are at a higher risk of developing astigmatism[1][2].

Signs and Symptoms

Common Symptoms

Patients with bilateral regular astigmatism typically report the following symptoms:
- Blurred Vision: Difficulty seeing clearly at both near and far distances, often described as a "ghosting" effect.
- Distorted Vision: Straight lines may appear wavy or bent, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Eye Strain: Increased effort to focus can lead to discomfort, fatigue, or headaches, especially after prolonged visual tasks.
- Difficulty with Night Vision: Patients may experience increased glare or halos around lights at night[3][4].

Clinical Signs

During an eye examination, several signs may indicate the presence of regular astigmatism:
- Refractive Error Assessment: A comprehensive refraction test will reveal differences in vision correction needed for different meridians.
- Corneal Topography: This imaging technique can show the curvature of the cornea, highlighting irregularities typical of astigmatism.
- Visual Acuity Testing: Patients may demonstrate reduced visual acuity, which can be improved with corrective lenses[5][6].

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnostic Tools

• Autorefractors: Automated devices that measure how light is changed as it enters the eye, providing initial estimates of refractive errors.
• Phoropters: Instruments used during refraction tests to determine the best corrective lenses for the patient.
• Slit Lamp Examination: Allows for a detailed view of the anterior segment of the eye, helping to rule out other conditions that may affect vision.

Treatment Options

Management of bilateral regular astigmatism typically involves:
- Corrective Lenses: Prescription glasses or contact lenses designed to compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea.
- Refractive Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or PRK may be considered for eligible patients seeking a more permanent solution[7][8].

Conclusion

Bilateral regular astigmatism is a prevalent refractive error that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Recognizing its clinical presentation, symptoms, and patient characteristics is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management. Regular eye examinations are essential for early detection and appropriate intervention, ensuring that patients maintain optimal visual function. If you suspect you have symptoms of astigmatism, consulting an eye care professional is recommended for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

References

1. ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H52.223 - Regular astigmatism, bilateral.
2. ICD-10-CM Code for Regular astigmatism, bilateral H52.223.
3. Diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00–H59).
4. Routine Vision Care - LifeWise Assurance Company.
5. ICD-10: H52.223 - Regular astigmatism, bilateral.
6. 2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H52.223 - The Web's Free 2023 ICD-10-CM.
7. ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H52.2 - Astigmatism - ICD List.
8. Preventive (Routine) Eye Examination.

When discussing the ICD-10 code H52.223, which refers to "Regular astigmatism, bilateral," it is helpful to understand the alternative names and related terms that are commonly associated with this condition. Below is a detailed overview of these terms.

Alternative Names for Regular Astigmatism

1. Bilateral Regular Astigmatism: This term emphasizes that the condition affects both eyes, which is a key aspect of the H52.223 code.
2. Astigmatism: A broader term that refers to a common refractive error in the eye, which can be regular or irregular. Regular astigmatism is characterized by a consistent curvature of the cornea or lens.
3. Simple Astigmatism: This term can sometimes be used interchangeably with regular astigmatism, particularly when referring to cases where one meridian is more curved than the other, but the curvature is uniform.
4. Compound Astigmatism: While this typically refers to a more complex form of astigmatism, it can be related in discussions about regular astigmatism, especially in cases where both eyes exhibit similar refractive errors.

Related Terms

1. Refractive Error: A general term that encompasses various vision problems, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Regular astigmatism falls under this category.
2. Corneal Astigmatism: This term specifically refers to astigmatism caused by an irregular shape of the cornea, which is the most common type of regular astigmatism.
3. Lenticular Astigmatism: This refers to astigmatism caused by an irregular shape of the lens inside the eye, which can also be related to regular astigmatism in some cases.
4. Vision Correction: This term encompasses various methods used to correct astigmatism, including glasses, contact lenses, and surgical options like LASIK.

Clinical Context

Understanding these alternative names and related terms is crucial for healthcare professionals when diagnosing and coding for astigmatism. The specificity of the ICD-10 code H52.223 helps ensure accurate medical billing and effective communication among healthcare providers regarding patient conditions.

In summary, while H52.223 specifically denotes bilateral regular astigmatism, the terms and concepts surrounding it provide a broader context for understanding this common refractive error and its implications for vision correction and patient care.

When addressing the treatment approaches for ICD-10 code H52.223, which refers to regular astigmatism, bilateral, it is essential to understand the nature of astigmatism and the various options available for managing this refractive error.

Understanding Regular Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision. In the case of bilateral regular astigmatism, both eyes are affected, and the curvature is consistent, which means that the condition can often be corrected effectively with standard treatment methods.

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Corrective Lenses

The most common and straightforward treatment for regular astigmatism involves the use of corrective lenses:

• Eyeglasses: Prescription glasses with cylindrical lenses are designed to compensate for the uneven curvature of the cornea. These lenses help focus light correctly onto the retina, improving visual clarity.
• Contact Lenses: Toric contact lenses are specifically designed for astigmatism. They have different powers in different meridians of the lens to correct the refractive error. Some patients may prefer contact lenses for aesthetic reasons or comfort.

2. Refractive Surgery

For patients seeking a more permanent solution, refractive surgery may be an option:

• Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK): This procedure reshapes the cornea using a laser, allowing light to focus more accurately on the retina. LASIK is suitable for many patients with regular astigmatism.
• Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Similar to LASIK, PRK involves reshaping the cornea but does not create a flap. It may be recommended for patients with thinner corneas or other specific conditions.
• Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK): This surgical procedure involves making incisions in the cornea to reduce astigmatism. It is often used in conjunction with cataract surgery or other refractive procedures.

3. Orthokeratology

This non-surgical approach involves the use of specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clearer vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.

4. Vision Therapy

In some cases, vision therapy may be recommended, particularly if the astigmatism is associated with other visual problems. This therapy involves a series of exercises designed to improve visual skills and processing.

Conclusion

The treatment of bilateral regular astigmatism primarily revolves around corrective lenses, refractive surgery, orthokeratology, and, in some cases, vision therapy. The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of the astigmatism, the patient's lifestyle, and their overall eye health. Regular eye examinations are crucial for monitoring the condition and adjusting treatment as necessary to ensure optimal visual outcomes. If you have further questions or need personalized advice, consulting an eye care professional is recommended.

The ICD-10 code H52.223 refers to "Regular astigmatism, bilateral." This diagnosis is part of the broader category of refractive errors, which are common vision problems that occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. Understanding the criteria for diagnosing this condition involves several key components.

Criteria for Diagnosis of Regular Astigmatism

1. Clinical Symptoms

Patients with regular astigmatism often present with specific symptoms that may include:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- Difficulty seeing fine details.
- Eye strain or discomfort, especially after prolonged visual tasks.
- Headaches, particularly after reading or using a computer.

2. Comprehensive Eye Examination

A thorough eye examination is essential for diagnosing regular astigmatism. This typically includes:
- Visual Acuity Testing: Assessing how well the patient can see at various distances using an eye chart.
- Refraction Test: This test determines the appropriate lens prescription by using a phoropter or trial lenses to measure how light is focused in the eye.
- Keratometry: Measuring the curvature of the cornea to identify irregularities that contribute to astigmatism.
- Topography: Computerized corneal topography may be used to create a detailed map of the cornea's surface, helping to visualize the degree and axis of astigmatism.

3. Measurement of Astigmatism

For a diagnosis of bilateral regular astigmatism, the following measurements are typically taken:
- Cylinder Power: The degree of astigmatism is quantified in diopters (D). Regular astigmatism is characterized by a consistent curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to a specific cylinder power measurement.
- Axis: The orientation of the astigmatism is measured in degrees, indicating the direction of the steepest and flattest meridians of the cornea.

4. Differentiation from Irregular Astigmatism

It is crucial to differentiate regular astigmatism from irregular astigmatism, which may arise from conditions such as keratoconus or corneal scarring. Regular astigmatism has a predictable pattern and can be corrected with standard lenses, while irregular astigmatism may require specialized contact lenses or surgical intervention.

5. Documentation and Coding

Proper documentation is vital for coding purposes. The diagnosis should be clearly recorded in the patient's medical record, including:
- The specific measurements of astigmatism.
- Any associated symptoms or visual complaints.
- The results of the comprehensive eye examination.

Conclusion

Diagnosing bilateral regular astigmatism (ICD-10 code H52.223) involves a combination of patient-reported symptoms, detailed clinical examinations, and precise measurements of corneal curvature and visual acuity. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, which may include corrective lenses or other interventions tailored to the patient's specific needs. Proper documentation ensures that the diagnosis is coded correctly for billing and insurance purposes, facilitating appropriate patient care and follow-up.