H18.812 Anesthesia and hypoesthesia of cornea, left eye

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Anesthesia and Hypoesthesia of Cornea, Left Eye
- Also known as Corneal Hypoesthesia, Corneal Sensitivity Loss, or Corneal Anesthesia.

#### Summary
Anesthesia and hypoesthesia of the cornea in the left eye refer to the partial or complete loss of sensation in the cornea — the clear, outer layer at the front of the eye. This condition can affect eye protection and reflexes, making the eye more susceptible to damage.

#### Causes
- Nerve damage from trauma or surgical procedures.
- Infections like herpes simplex virus.
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.
- Certain medications affecting nerve function.

#### Risk Factors
- Prior eye surgeries or injuries.
- Chronic eye infections.
- Systemic diseases like diabetes or neurological disorders.
- Prolonged contact lens use without proper hygiene.

#### Symptoms
- Decreased sensitivity to touch or pain in the cornea.
- Frequent eye infections.
- Persistent dry eyes.
- Lack of blinking reflex when the cornea is touched.

#### Diagnosis
- Comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
- Corneal sensitivity testing using specialized instruments.
- Review of medical history to identify underlying conditions.

#### Treatment Options
- Artificial tears or ointments to maintain moisture in the eye.
- Protective eyewear to prevent injury due to reduced sensation.
- Address underlying conditions (e.g., antiviral treatment for infections).
- In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to protect the cornea.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Varies depending on the underlying cause and severity.
- Regular ophthalmologic assessments are crucial for monitoring eye health and preventing complications.
- Early identification and management of underlying conditions can improve outcomes.

#### Complications
- Increased risk of corneal ulcers or infections.
- Potential vision loss or impairment if untreated.
- Permanent damage to the cornea requiring more invasive procedures.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Proper contact lens hygiene and reduced lens wear time.
- Management of systemic diseases like diabetes.
- Use of protective eyewear in hazardous environments.
- Regular eye check-ups, especially if you have risk factors.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden loss of vision or severe pain in the eye.
- Persistent dryness or frequent infections despite treatment.
- Changes in vision quality, such as blurriness or cloudiness.

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

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the laterality (left eye) is specified when coding.
- Verify the diagnosis with the clinician's documentation to differentiate from right eye or bilateral cases.
- Common coding errors include omitting the specific ICD code extension for laterality.

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