Intermittent exophthalmos, bilateral

This code signifies a condition where both eyes intermittently protrude abnormally from the orbits. This protrusion, known as exophthalmos or proptosis, is not constant but rather occurs sporadically or in response to specific triggers. It often indicates an underlying orbital or systemic pathology affecting the retrobulbar tissues.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates bilateral and intermittent outward bulging of the eyeballs. This typically occurs in conditions like thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy) where the exophthalmos may fluctuate, or in cases of orbital varices where venous pressure changes can cause transient proptosis. Supporting documentation should specify the intermittent nature and bilateral involvement.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "intermittent" and "bilateral" to support this specific code.
• Distinguish from constant or unilateral exophthalmos, which would require different codes.
• Always code the underlying cause of the intermittent exophthalmos, if known, as the primary diagnosis.