Blindness r eye category 3, blindness left eye category 5

This code indicates severe visual impairment in the right eye, classified as category 3 blindness, and profound visual impairment in the left eye, classified as category 5 blindness. It describes a patient with significant bilateral vision loss, with the left eye being more severely affected than the right.

Use this code when documentation clearly specifies the severity of blindness in each eye according to the WHO classification of visual impairment. This is appropriate for patients diagnosed with bilateral blindness where the specific categories for each eye are known and documented by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

• Ensure documentation specifies the WHO visual impairment category for each eye, not just a general statement of bilateral blindness.
• Do not use this code if only one eye is blind or if the specific categories for each eye are not documented.
• Sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when blindness is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it is a co-morbidity impacting care.