H00.016 Hordeolum externum left eye, unspecified eyelid

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Hordeolum Externum Left Eye, Unspecified Eyelid
- Commonly known as a "stye"

#### Summary
A hordeolum externum is a localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid glands, often presenting as a red, painful lump on the edge of the eyelid. It is more commonly known as a stye and usually affects just one eye.

#### Causes
Hordeolum externum is typically caused by a bacterial infection, most often Staphylococcus aureus, which infects the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

#### Risk Factors
- Poor eyelid hygiene
- Touching the eyes with unclean hands
- Use of contaminated eye makeup or contact lenses
- History of blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Having seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea

#### Symptoms
- Red, swollen bump along the edge of the eyelid
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Increased tearing
- Crustiness around the eyelid
- Sensitivity to light

#### Diagnosis
A physical examination by an eye care professional is usually sufficient to diagnose a stye. Additional tests are rarely needed unless recurrent styes suggest an underlying condition.

#### Treatment Options
- Warm compresses applied to the eyelid several times a day to promote drainage.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort.
- Antibiotic ointments or drops if a secondary bacterial infection is present.
- Rarely, minor surgical intervention to drain a persistent stye.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
Most styes resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks with appropriate at-home care. Persistent or recurrent styes may require medical attention and further investigation.

#### Complications
If untreated, a stye can lead to a more serious eyelid infection or a chalazion (a chronic, painless lump caused by gland obstruction).

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining good eyelid hygiene by regularly cleaning the eyelids.
- Avoiding rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands.
- Properly removing makeup and caring for contact lenses.
- Regularly cleaning or replacing eye makeup.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- If the stye doesn't improve with home treatment within a few days.
- Increasing swelling and pain, or it impairs vision.
- Recurrent styes, which could indicate an underlying condition.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)](https://www.aao.org/eye-health)
- [National Eye Institute (NEI)](https://www.nei.nih.gov)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accuracy by confirming the laterality (left eye) and external location (hordeolum externum).
- Avoid coding errors by double-checking the unspecified eyelid status.
- Verify documentation specifies "external" to differentiate from internal hordeolum.

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