Question

Xenon laser photocoagulation for prophylaxis of a recent right eye retinal detachment with a giant tear is performed for an accidental injury sustained from a baseball to the eye at fastball practice. What are the procedure and diagnosis codes for this service?

Answer 1

Hi

First of all the doctor will operate this surgery in an outpatient facility or an office. Photocoagulation uses a laser to create a microscopic burn in the desired tissue. Laser points were usually identified in 1 of 3 patterns.

Before the procedure, the doctor should administer eye drops to dilate the pupils. Sometimes, they may give an injection of a local anesthetic. The patient sits with his chin resting on a chin guard. The patient will have a special contact lens placed in the eye. This lens contains mirrors that help the doctor direct the laser. The doctor will tell the patient to look straight ahead or towards a light target with the other eye. The doctor will focus a laser on the area of the retina that needs treatment.

Risks: Since each pulse of the laser causes a microscopic burn, the patient may present:

• Slight vision loss

• Decreased lateral vision

• Difficulty focusing

• Blurry vision

After the procedure

The patient's vision may be blurred during the first 24 hours. You may see floating particles, but they disappear over time.

Expectations

Surgery has better results in the early stages of vision loss. This surgery cannot restore lost vision. However, it can help greatly reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Step-by-step explanation: