H04.542 Stenosis of left lacrimal canaliculi

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Stenosis of left lacrimal canaliculi

#### Summary
- Stenosis of the left lacrimal canaliculi refers to the narrowing or blockage of the small channels in the eyelid that drain tears from the eye's surface into the nasal cavity. This condition can lead to tear overflow or infections due to inadequate drainage.

#### Causes
- Stenosis can occur due to inflammation, infection, trauma, aging, or as a complication from previous surgeries. It may also be associated with chronic eye conditions or systemic diseases that affect the tear ducts.

#### Risk Factors
- Age-related changes, history of eye infections or surgeries, chronic inflammatory conditions, and certain medications that affect mucous membranes can increase the risk of developing this condition.

#### Symptoms
- Common symptoms include excessive tearing (epiphora), recurrent eye infections, swelling, and discomfort around the inner corner of the eye.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by an ophthalmologist, assessment of tear drainage, and possibly imaging studies such as dacryocystography to visualize the canaliculi.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatment may include topical antibiotics for infection, dilation procedures to widen the canaliculi, or surgical interventions such as dacryocystorhinostomy to create a new drainage pathway. These approaches aim to restore proper tear drainage and relieve symptoms.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good, and symptoms can be effectively managed. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor the condition and ensure successful treatment outcomes.

#### Complications
- If left untreated, stenosis can lead to persistent tearing, chronic irritation, and recurrent eye infections. In severe cases, it may result in scarring or damage to the cornea.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- While specific prevention strategies may be limited, maintaining good eyelid hygiene and protecting the eyes from trauma or infection can help reduce the risk. Timely treatment of eye infections and inflammation is also critical.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Consult an eye care professional if experiencing persistent tearing, pain, swelling, or recurrent eye infections, as these may indicate stenosis or other serious eye conditions.

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

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure precise documentation of the laterality of the condition (i.e., left side) when coding.
- Be cautious to differentiate between stenosis and other lacrimal apparatus disorders to avoid miscoding.

Similar Codes