Central corneal ulcer, bilateral

This code signifies an inflammatory lesion located in the center of the cornea, affecting both eyes. It involves a defect in the corneal epithelium and stroma, often caused by infection (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic) or sterile processes. This condition can lead to significant vision impairment if not promptly treated.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a central corneal ulcer is present in both the right and left eyes. This diagnosis is typically supported by slit-lamp examination findings detailing the location, size, and characteristics of the ulcer. It's crucial to differentiate this from peripheral corneal ulcers or other corneal opacities.

• Ensure documentation specifies "central" location and "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, laterality codes (H16.011, H16.012) or unspecified codes may be more appropriate.
• Always look for an underlying cause (e.g., infection, trauma) and code it as a secondary diagnosis if documented.
• Do not confuse with corneal abrasion (S05.0-), which is a superficial injury without stromal involvement.