Recurrent erosion of cornea, bilateral

This code signifies a condition where the outermost layer of the cornea repeatedly detaches or sloughs off, affecting both eyes. This recurrent epithelial defect can cause significant pain, photophobia, and blurred vision due to the compromised corneal surface.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "recurrent corneal erosion" and specifies involvement of both eyes. This diagnosis is typically made based on patient history of repeated episodes of acute eye pain, often upon waking, and slit lamp examination confirming epithelial defects or loose epithelium.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "recurrent" episodes, not a single instance of corneal erosion.
• Verify bilateral involvement; if only one eye is affected, a laterality-specific code should be chosen.
• Differentiate from other corneal disorders like corneal ulcers (H16.-) or other corneal opacities (H17.-).