Name of the Condition

• Conjunctival hyperemia, left eye
• Medical term: Conjunctival injection

Summary

Conjunctival hyperemia refers to the redness of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This condition specifically affects the left eye and occurs when small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become more visible due to increased blood flow.

Causes

Conjunctival hyperemia can be caused by various factors, including:

• Eye infections (bacterial or viral)
• Allergic reactions
• Eye irritation from contact lenses or exposure to smoke and dust
• Dry eye syndrome
• Excessive rubbing of the eyes

Risk Factors

• History of allergies or asthma
• Use of contact lenses
• Frequent exposure to irritants such as smoke, dust, or chemicals
• Pre-existing eye conditions like dry eyes

Symptoms

• Redness in the white of the eye
• Irritation or discomfort in the left eye
• Watery eyes
• Mild itching or burning sensation

Diagnosis

Diagnosis primarily involves a physical examination of the eye by an eye care professional. They may use a slit lamp to view the eye structures more clearly. In some cases, additional tests like conjunctival swabs or allergy tests might be conducted to determine underlying causes.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause:

• For infections: Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops
• For allergies: Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops
• For irritation or dryness: Lubricating eye drops
• Each treatment aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and address the underlying cause.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With appropriate treatment, conjunctival hyperemia typically resolves without long-term effects. Regular follow-ups ensure proper recovery and help prevent recurrence, especially if underlying conditions are present.

Complications

If untreated, conjunctival hyperemia can lead to complications such as chronic discomfort, impaired vision, or an increased risk of more severe eye infections.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Minimizing exposure to known irritants (smoke, dust, allergens)
• Regularly cleaning contacts or wearing glasses when possible
• Using humidifiers to maintain eye moisture
• Practicing good eye hygiene, including frequent handwashing

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek immediate attention if you experience:

• Severe eye pain
• Sudden changes in vision
• Persistent redness or discharge not improving with initial treatment

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology aao.org
• National Eye Institute nei.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the laterality (left eye) is appropriately coded.
• Avoid common errors such as omitting the specific eye affected, as this can impact treatment plans.

ICD-10 Code H11.432 specifically addresses conjunctival hyperemia of the left eye, so accurate documentation of the affected eye is crucial.