Conjunctival hyperemia, unspecified eye

This code signifies an abnormal redness of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye, without further specification of the affected eye. It indicates increased blood flow to the conjunctival vessels, often a sign of inflammation or irritation.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "conjunctival hyperemia" but does not specify whether it's the right, left, or bilateral eye. This is appropriate for initial assessments where laterality is undetermined or when the physician explicitly notes "unspecified eye."

• Avoid using this code if laterality (right, left, or bilateral) is documented; instead, choose a more specific code from the H11.43- subcategory.
• This code is often a symptom of an underlying condition; always code the definitive diagnosis first if known (e.g., conjunctivitis, allergic reaction).
• Do not confuse with subconjunctival hemorrhage (H11.3-), which involves bleeding under the conjunctiva, not just redness.