H16.322 Diffuse interstitial keratitis, left eye

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Diffuse Interstitial Keratitis, Left Eye**  
- Also known simply as interstitial keratitis.

#### Summary
Diffuse interstitial keratitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the corneal stroma of the left eye. This leads to hazy or cloudy vision due to the deep layers of the cornea becoming inflamed but without involving the epithelium. 

#### Causes
- Often associated with infections such as syphilis or tuberculosis.
- Autoimmune conditions may also be implicated.
- Other possible causes include herpes viruses or physical trauma.

#### Risk Factors
- History of systemic infections, especially syphilitic infections.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Previous eye trauma or surgery.
- Genetic predisposition to certain infections.

#### Symptoms
- Blurred or cloudy vision in the affected eye.
- Redness and irritation of the eye.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Eye pain, although less common, may occur.

#### Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination, including slit-lamp examination.
- Corneal topography to assess changes in the cornea's shape.
- Serological tests to identify underlying infections like syphilis.
- In some cases, a corneal biopsy.

#### Treatment Options
- Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections or antivirals for viral causes.
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- In cases associated with autoimmune disorders, immunosuppressive therapy may be required.
- Surgical intervention is rare but may involve corneal transplantation if the damage is severe.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With timely and appropriate treatment, prognosis is generally good, but vision may initially be impaired.
- Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor the condition and adjust treatments.

#### Complications
- Without treatment, it can lead to permanent corneal scarring or thinning, resulting in significant visual impairment.
- Increased risk of developing secondary glaucoma due to intraocular pressure changes.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Routine screening and treatment for underlying infectious or systemic diseases.
- Wearing protective eyewear to prevent trauma.
- Regular eye examinations to catch and address early symptoms.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek immediate medical attention for sudden vision changes, significant eye pain, or severe redness and swelling.

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

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure correct laterality when documenting the condition as it specifies the left eye.
- Double-check that the diagnosis aligns with the clinical presentation and documented examination results.
- Common errors include omitting the specificity of the affected eye and not cross-referencing related systemic conditions.

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