Infantile and juvenile nuclear cataract, left eye

This diagnosis code signifies a nuclear cataract affecting the left eye in a pediatric patient, specifically an infant or juvenile. A nuclear cataract involves opacification of the central nucleus of the lens, leading to impaired vision. In this age group, it can be congenital or develop early in life.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a nuclear cataract in the left eye of a patient under 18 years of age. This typically applies to diagnoses made during ophthalmological examinations where the specific type and location of the cataract are identified. Supporting documentation would include ophthalmologist notes detailing the cataract's morphology and laterality.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "nuclear" cataract and not another type (e.g., cortical, subcapsular).
• Verify the laterality is explicitly stated as "left eye" to avoid laterality errors.
• Distinguish from age-related nuclear cataracts, which would use codes from the H25 category.