Glaucoma secondary to drugs, left eye, moderate stage

This code signifies elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage in the left eye, resulting from the use of certain medications. The condition has progressed to a moderate stage, indicating a measurable degree of visual field loss or optic nerve damage. This is a form of secondary glaucoma where drug therapy is the causative agent.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of glaucoma in the left eye, explicitly linked to drug use, and specifies a moderate stage of severity. This typically occurs in patients on long-term steroid therapy or other medications known to induce glaucoma. Supporting documentation should include ophthalmological exam findings, visual field tests, and a clear history of drug exposure.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the glaucoma to drug use; otherwise, a different secondary glaucoma code may be more appropriate.
• Verify the laterality (left eye) and the stage (moderate) are clearly documented.
• Always code the drug causing the adverse effect (T36-T50 with 5th or 6th character indicating adverse effect) as an additional diagnosis.