Descemetocele, bilateral

This code signifies a descemetocele affecting both eyes. A descemetocele is a severe corneal ulceration where the ulcer extends through the corneal stroma, leaving only Descemet's membrane and the endothelium intact, forming a bulging sac. This condition carries a high risk of corneal perforation and vision loss.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a descemetocele is present in both the right and left eyes. This diagnosis typically follows slit-lamp examination findings confirming the deep corneal defect. Use this code for patients presenting with advanced corneal thinning and impending perforation bilaterally.

• Ensure documentation specifies "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, use the appropriate unilateral code (H18.731 or H18.732).
• Do not confuse with other corneal ulcers that have not progressed to Descemet's membrane exposure.
• Code any underlying cause of the corneal ulcer (e.g., infectious agent, exposure keratopathy) as an additional diagnosis.