2025 ICD-10-CM code H50.3
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the eye and adnexa - Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation and refraction 7 Feed
Intermittent heterotropia, a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other, occurring occasionally.
Medical necessity for treatment is established by demonstrating a functional impairment due to the intermittent heterotropia.This could include reduced visual acuity, diplopia, asthenopia, or difficulty with binocular vision tasks.The frequency and impact of the misalignment on daily activities are also factors in determining medical necessity.
Diagnosis and management of intermittent heterotropia fall under the purview of ophthalmologists and optometrists.They assess the frequency, magnitude, and type of misalignment, along with any associated visual symptoms. Treatment options may include observation, corrective lenses, vision therapy, or in some cases, surgery.
In simple words: This refers to a condition where your eyes sometimes don't look in the same direction together.It happens off and on, unlike a constant "crossed eye" condition.
Intermittent heterotropia is a disorder of ocular alignment where the eyes intermittently deviate from their normal coordinated position.This means that sometimes the eyes are aligned correctly and other times they are not.It differs from constant heterotropia (strabismus), where the misalignment is always present.
Example 1: A 6-year-old child occasionally exhibits inward deviation of one eye, particularly when tired or focusing on near objects.Examination reveals intermittent esotropia., An adult patient reports occasional double vision and eye strain, especially during prolonged reading.The ophthalmologist diagnoses intermittent exotropia., A patient with a history of intermittent heterotropia in childhood reports its recurrence during periods of stress.Examination confirms the diagnosis.
Documentation should include frequency, type (esotropia, exotropia, hypertropia), laterality (right, left, alternating), magnitude of deviation, any associated symptoms (double vision, eye strain, headache), and impact on visual function.Results of eye exams, including cover tests and visual acuity measurements, are essential.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology, Optometry
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital