Degenerative myopia, bilateral

This code signifies a severe form of nearsightedness characterized by progressive elongation of the eyeball and degenerative changes in the retina, choroid, and sclera. It often leads to significant visual impairment and can be associated with complications like retinal detachment or macular degeneration.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "degenerative myopia" affecting both eyes. This diagnosis is typically made by an ophthalmologist based on funduscopic examination and refractive error measurements. Supporting documentation should detail the degenerative changes observed.

• Ensure documentation specifies "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, a unilateral code may be more appropriate.
• Distinguish from simple high myopia (H44.20-H44.22) which lacks the degenerative changes.
• Code any associated complications, such as retinal detachment (H33.0-H33.5) or myopic maculopathy (H35.37), as secondary diagnoses.