Using Imaging to Understand the Causes and Sequelae of Hypotony

A- and B-scan ultrasound, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and OCT can be crucial for diagnosis and management.

Poojitha Balakrishnan, MD, MPH, PhD, and Jithin Yohannan, MD, MPH

Glaucoma Today

Key Takeaways Hypotony is a significant complication of glaucoma surgery, frequently observed following filtering surgery. Identifying the causes and sequelae of hypotony can be a challenge with slit-lamp examinations and indirect ophthalmoscopy alone. Imaging modalities such as OCT, A- and B-scan ultrasound, and ultrasound biomicroscopy may be valuable complementary tools for diagnosing and managing hypotony. Hypotony (IOP < 5–6 mm Hg) may be a significant complication of glaucoma surgery and is most frequently observed during the postoperative period, particularly following filtering surgery. Although the condition is often visually insignificant and/or transient, persistent and visually significant hypotony can lead to adverse outcomes. Clinically significant hypotony may induce neurosensory retinal and structural alterations, potentially resulting in irreversible visual impairment.1,2

Keep Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease On Your DED Radar

Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO; Sierra Tisdelle, OD, FAAO; Alison Mercer, OD; Jen Kirby

Eyetube

Podcast host Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, talks with Sierra Tisdelle, OD, FAAO, and Alison Mercer, OD, about their upcoming article, "Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease." Specifically, the pair discusses the tips, tricks, and tests to keep in mind when you may be dealing with an autoimmune rheumatic disease, as well as the related treatments and therapies. Dr. Koetting wraps up the episode by introducing Modern Optometry’s new Editor-in-Chief Jen Kirby, who answers questions about what readers can expect from Modern Optometry moving forward.

10 Essential Steps for Accurate Retina Surgery Coding

Keeping these in mind, practices can reduce errors, prevent denials, and maintain accurate billing.

Joy Woodke, COE, OCS, OCSR, and Matthew Baugh, MHA, COT, OCS, OCSR

Retina Today

Ensuring proper reimbursement for ophthalmic surgery demands more than simply selecting a CPT code—it requires a structured, methodical approach to coding. A consistent review process helps safeguard against denials, clarify complex billing combinations, and accurately reflect what occurred in the OR. The following example shows how to apply 10 necessary steps for successful surgical coding (Figure). Figure. Following these 10 steps can help surgeons code carefully and enjoy proper reimbursement. OPERATIVE SUMMARY The operative note describes a patient who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) to address a dislocated posterior chamber IOL in the left eye. The IOL was split into two fragments, and during surgery, each piece was carefully elevated, cut, and removed through a clear corneal incision under the protection of viscoelastic. After clearing the posterior segment, the surgeon placed a new posterior chamber IOL. A peripheral iridotomy was created to remove residual viscoelastic, and subconjunctival injections of dexamethasone and cefazolin were administered. Step 1: Identify All Possible CPT Codes and Read Full Descriptors Using the documentation in the operative report, identify every CPT code that could apply to the documented procedures.