Anesthesia and hypoesthesia of cornea, left eye

This code indicates a diminished or absent sensation in the cornea of the left eye. This can manifest as a reduced ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain stimuli on the corneal surface, potentially leading to increased risk of injury or infection due to lack of protective reflexes.

Apply this code when documentation specifically identifies corneal anesthesia or hypoesthesia affecting the left eye. This condition is often associated with neurological damage, corneal diseases, or post-surgical complications. Supporting documentation should include ophthalmological examination findings confirming the sensory deficit.

• Ensure laterality is clearly documented (left eye). If bilateral, a separate code for the right eye (H18.811) and/or unspecified eye (H18.819) would be needed.
• Distinguish from other corneal disorders; this code is specific to sensory deficits, not structural abnormalities or inflammation unless directly causing the hypoesthesia.
• Always code any underlying cause or associated conditions, such as herpes zoster ophthalmicus or neurotrophic keratopathy, in addition to this code.