BILATERAL OPTIC ATROPHY - INFANTILE
|
ALTERNATE NAMES
|
Infantile Bilateral Optic Atrophy; Bilateral Optic Neuropathy; Idiopathic Bilateral
Optic Atrophy; Congenital Optic Atrophy; Pediatric Bilateral Optic Atrophy
|
DESCRIPTION
|
Bilateral Optic Atrophy (BOA) is a condition that affects the optic nerve, which carries impulses from the eye
to the brain. Characteristics of BOA involve deficits in central vision, difficulties
distinguishing contrast, loss of visual acuity, and changes in the color and the structure
of the optic disc. BOA occurs in both eyes from time of birth and may cause rhythmic,
involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). This disorder may be caused by a number of
diseases and conditions, such as tumors of the visual pathways, hypoxia before or
shortly after birth, birth trauma, hydrocephalus, heredity, and degenerative diseases.
Many children with BOA may have other neurological problems such as seizures, developmental
delays or motor problems.
|
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND
ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM
CODING
|
Diagnostic testing:
Physical findings:
-
•
Diminished visual acuity;
-
•
Inability to fixate and follow;
-
•
Abnormal pupil reaction to light; and
-
ICD-9:
377.10
ICD-10: H47.213
|
PROGRESSION
|
BOA symptoms may occur suddenly or process gradually depending on the cause. Visual
acuity may range from nearly normal to blindness.
|
TREATMENT
|
There is no cure for BOA. Treatment is symptomatic and based on the primary cause
of this disorder (i.e. tumors may be surgically removed).
|
SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC
ASSESSMENT* |
Suggested MER for Evaluation:
-
•
Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features and physical
findings;
-
•
Evidence measuring best corrected visual acuity or the extent of visual fields;
-
•
If the child is unable to use the Snellen methodology or other comparable testing,
documentation of fixation and visual following behavior; and
-
•
Reports of anatomical findings or results of neuroimaging, electroretinogram, or VER
testing.
|
Suggested Listings for Evaluation:
|
DETERMINATION
|
LISTING
|
REMARKS
|
Meets
|
102.02
|
Listing level severity must be documented.
|
102.03
|
Listing level severity must be documented.
|
102.04
|
Listing level severity must be documented.
|
Equals
|
|
|
* Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or the
listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the
claim rests with the adjudicator.
|