2025 ICD-10-CM code H53.4

Visual field defects.This condition involves a constricted field of vision, impacting one or both eyes, and may result in missed objects or blurred vision within the affected area.

If the visual field defect is caused by another condition, such as glaucoma or a stroke, the underlying condition should be coded as the primary diagnosis, followed by H53.4 as a secondary diagnosis.

Medical necessity for services related to H53.4 is established by demonstrating the impact on the patient's visual function and daily activities.The documentation should support the need for diagnostic testing, treatment, or assistive devices to address the visual field defect.

The clinical responsibility for diagnosing and managing visual field defects typically falls upon ophthalmologists and optometrists.They conduct comprehensive eye exams, including visual field testing, to identify the defect's nature and extent.They also investigate underlying causes, potentially involving neurologists or other specialists depending on the etiology.

In simple words: A visual field defect means a person's area of vision is smaller than normal, making it hard to see everything around them. It's like having tunnel vision or blind spots.

Visual field defects encompass various conditions where the area of vision perceived by the eye is limited or altered. This can manifest as a generalized constriction, specific areas of vision loss (scotomas), or hemianopia (loss of half of the visual field). It may impact one or both eyes, leading to difficulties in navigating, reading, or recognizing objects within the affected portion of the visual field.

Example 1: A 60-year-old patient presents with gradual loss of peripheral vision in both eyes.Visual field testing confirms bilateral constriction, consistent with glaucoma. The diagnosis is coded as H53.4., A 35-year-old patient experiences sudden loss of the right half of their visual field in both eyes following a head injury.Neuroimaging reveals a lesion impacting the optic tract. The visual field defect is coded as H53.4, with an additional external cause code for the head injury (e.g., S06.90XA)., A 70-year-old patient with a history of stroke reports difficulty seeing objects in the lower left quadrant of their visual field.Examination reveals a quadrantanopia.This visual field defect is coded as H53.4.

Documentation should include details of the visual field testing performed (e.g., perimetry, confrontation), description of the defect (e.g., location, extent), and any associated symptoms.It should also note the affected eye(s) and any suspected underlying causes.

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