Unspecified superficial keratitis, right eye

This code signifies inflammation of the superficial layers of the cornea in the right eye, where the specific cause or type of keratitis has not been identified. It indicates a general corneal surface inflammation without further diagnostic specificity.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents with symptoms of corneal inflammation (e.g., pain, redness, photophobia, blurred vision) in the right eye, and the ophthalmologist or optometrist has diagnosed superficial keratitis but has not yet determined the underlying etiology (e.g., viral, bacterial, fungal, exposure). Documentation should clearly state "superficial keratitis, right eye, unspecified" or similar.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of superficial keratitis (e.g., viral, bacterial) is documented; instead, use the appropriate specific code.
• Ensure laterality is accurately documented and coded; this code is specific to the right eye.
• If the cause is later identified, update the diagnosis to the more specific code to reflect the definitive diagnosis.