Iris atrophy (essential) (progressive), bilateral

This code describes the bilateral degeneration or thinning of the iris tissue, which can be either essential (idiopathic) or progressive in nature. This atrophy can lead to various visual disturbances, including photophobia, glare, and potentially secondary glaucoma due to pigment dispersion or angle changes.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states bilateral iris atrophy, whether specified as essential or progressive. This diagnosis is typically made through slit-lamp examination revealing characteristic iris transillumination defects, stromal thinning, and pigment dispersion.

• Ensure documentation specifies "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, use the appropriate unilateral code.
• Distinguish from iris hypoplasia (Q13.1), which is a congenital underdevelopment, not an acquired atrophy.
• Code any associated conditions, such as secondary glaucoma (e.g., H40.11X), in addition to the iris atrophy.