Keratoconjunct sicca, not specified as Sjogren's, right eye

This code represents severe dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, specifically affecting the right eye, when the underlying cause is not identified as Sjögren's syndrome. It indicates a chronic condition characterized by insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation, leading to ocular surface damage.

Use this code for patients presenting with symptoms of severe dry eye, such as foreign body sensation, burning, redness, and blurred vision, confirmed by diagnostic tests like Schirmer's test or tear break-up time, and documented as affecting the right eye. This code is appropriate when Sjögren's syndrome has been ruled out or is not yet investigated as the etiology.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "right eye" and explicitly states that Sjögren's syndrome is not the cause or has not been determined.
• Distinguish from H16.222 (left eye) and H16.223 (bilateral) based on laterality documented in the medical record.
• Do not use this code if Sjögren's syndrome is confirmed; instead, use codes from the M35.0- series with an additional code for the ocular manifestation.