H18.213 Corneal edema secondary to contact lens, bilateral

Name of the Condition

• Corneal Edema Secondary to Contact Lens, Bilateral
• ICD Code: H18.213

Summary

Corneal edema is a condition where the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, becomes swollen due to fluid buildup. When contact lenses are involved, this can occur due to improper use or fit of the lenses. It affects both eyes in this case.

Causes

Corneal edema secondary to contact lens use can be caused by a variety of factors, including over-wearing lenses, poor fit, or lack of oxygen to the cornea due to tightly fitting lenses.

Risk Factors

• Extended wear of contact lenses
• Improper lens cleaning or hygiene
• Sleeping in contact lenses
• Ill-fitting lenses
• Pre-existing eye conditions

Symptoms

• Blurred or foggy vision
• Rainbows or halos around lights
• Eye irritation or discomfort
• Redness in the eyes
• Sensation of a foreign body in the eye

Diagnosis

An eye specialist may perform:

• A slit-lamp examination to inspect the cornea
• Measurement of corneal thickness (pachymetry)
• Visual acuity tests

Treatment Options

• Discontinuing or limiting contact lens use temporarily
• Use of hypertonic saline drops or ointment to draw out excess fluid
• Fitting of safer, more breathable contact lenses
• In severe cases, surgical interventions such as corneal transplantation may be considered

Prognosis and Follow-Up

The condition typically resolves with proper management, but regular follow-up with an eye care professional is essential to monitor progress and prevent recurrence.

Complications

• Chronic corneal edema
• Corneal neovascularization (growth of new blood vessels)
• Permanent vision impairment if untreated

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Follow proper contact lens hygiene practices
• Ensure lenses fit properly
• Avoid sleeping in contacts unless specifically designed for overnight wear
• Regularly replace lenses as recommended

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent blurred vision or discomfort despite proper lens care
• Sudden changes in vision
• Severe eye redness or pain

Additional Resources

• American Optometric Association (www.aoa.org)
• National Eye Institute (www.nei.nih.gov)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the bilateral aspect of the condition is recorded, as it affects both eyes.
• Verify that the contact lens usage aspect is documented to specify the secondary nature of the condition.