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Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Dry vs.Wet:

KnowYour AMD Terms

Published on Sun Apr 26, 2009

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the deterioration of the macula, the central area of the retina thats responsible for straight ahead vision. AMD progresses from dry to wet, so be sure you know whats included in each category before you begin coding. Dry AMD (362.51, Nonexudative senile macular degeneration): Patients have dry AMD first, with the cells of the macula slowly breaking down. (Dry AMD is diagnosed in approximately 85 percent of cases.) The condition usually affects both eyes, though they will not be at the same stage of disease simultaneously. Drusen, yellow deposits under the retina, are common early signs of dry AMD. The disease progresses as the number of drusen increase. Wet AMD (362.52, Exudative senile macular degeneration): Over time, AMD shifts from dry to wet. The dry form worsens as more drusen is deposited. Tiny abnormal blood vessels form and leak fluid and blood, which leads to [...]
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