2025 ICD-10-CM code H47.039
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the eye and adnexa - Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways 7 Feed
Optic nerve hypoplasia, unspecified eye. This condition involves underdevelopment of the optic nerve.
Medical necessity for services related to optic nerve hypoplasia stems from the need to establish a diagnosis, assess the severity of visual impairment, and determine appropriate management strategies. This may include prescribing visual aids, providing supportive care, or referring to specialized services for associated conditions.
Diagnosis and management of optic nerve hypoplasia typically falls under the purview of ophthalmologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and potentially pediatricians if the condition is diagnosed in infancy or childhood.They are responsible for confirming the diagnosis, assessing the extent of visual impairment, and recommending appropriate management strategies, which may include supportive care and visual aids.
In simple words: This condition means that the nerve that carries sight from the eye to the brain did not fully develop in one eye.
Optic nerve hypoplasia is a congenital condition characterized by underdevelopment of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.The unspecified eye designation indicates that the condition affects one eye, but the specific eye (right or left) is not documented.
Example 1: A newborn infant is noted to have reduced visual responsiveness in one eye during a routine pediatric examination. Subsequent ophthalmological evaluation reveals optic nerve hypoplasia., A child undergoing vision screening at school is found to have decreased visual acuity in one eye.Further investigation confirms optic nerve hypoplasia., An adult patient reports experiencing lifelong decreased vision in one eye. Diagnostic imaging reveals a smaller than normal optic nerve, consistent with optic nerve hypoplasia.
Documentation should include details of ophthalmological examination findings, including visual acuity assessment, pupillary responses, and funduscopic examination.Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the optic nerve and visual pathways.Any associated conditions or developmental abnormalities should also be documented.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology, Neuro-ophthalmology, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital