Keratomalacia, unspecified eye

This code represents keratomalacia, a severe corneal disease characterized by drying and ulceration of the cornea due to vitamin A deficiency. It leads to corneal opacification and can result in blindness if untreated.

Use this code when documentation specifies keratomalacia without further detail regarding the affected eye (e.g., "keratomalacia" or "keratomalacia, bilateral" when laterality is not specified). This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical findings of corneal xerosis, ulceration, and a history of vitamin A deficiency.

• Do not use this code if laterality (right, left, or bilateral) is specified; instead, select the more specific code.
• Always query for laterality if not documented to ensure the most precise code is assigned.
• Code the underlying vitamin A deficiency (E50.-) as a primary diagnosis when applicable, with keratomalacia as a secondary diagnosis.