Name of the Condition

• Abscess of Left Lower Eyelid
• Technical term: H00.035

Summary

An abscess of the left lower eyelid is a localized collection of pus caused by an infection near the lower eyelash line. It appears as a swollen, painful lump on or around the eyelid, often accompanied by redness and tenderness.

Causes

• Bacterial infection, commonly due to Staphylococcus aureus.
• Blocked sebaceous glands or sweat glands near the eyelid.
• Previous trauma or injury to the eyelid area.

Risk Factors

• Poor eyelid hygiene.
• Medical conditions like diabetes that can impair healing.
• History of eyelid infections or chronic blepharitis.
• Contact lens use, especially if not properly sanitized.

Symptoms

• Redness and swelling on the lower eyelid.
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area.
• Yellow or white center indicating pus collection.
• Possible fever or increased temperature in severe cases.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination by a healthcare provider.
• A culture or sample analysis of the pus to identify the bacterial cause.
• Rarely, imaging like an ultrasound if an underlying condition is suspected.

Treatment Options

• Warm compresses applied several times a day to aid drainage.
• Antibiotics, either topical or oral, to fight the infection.
• Incision and drainage if the abscess does not resolve with initial treatment.
• Proper eyelid hygiene to prevent recurrence.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With prompt treatment, prognosis is generally good.
• Abscesses usually resolve without permanent damage to the eyelid.
• Follow-up appointments to ensure healing and prevent recurrence are important.

Complications

• Cellulitis: infection spreading to surrounding skin tissue.
• Scarring or cosmetic deformity if severe or improperly treated.
• Potential for recurrent infections if underlying causes aren't addressed.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain eyelid hygiene by regularly washing the face and eyelids.
• Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes with dirty hands.
• Manage underlying conditions like diabetes to enhance immune function.
• Replace and clean contact lenses as recommended.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Increased redness, swelling, or pain not responding to home treatment.
• Vision changes or eye discharge.
• Development of fever or systemic symptoms.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): www.aao.org
• Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Verify laterality in documentation (confirms the left lower eyelid).
• Ensure specific ICD-10 code H00.035 is used for coding accuracy.
• Avoid generic codes for eyelid infection as specificity can affect claim processing.