Injury of optic nerve, left eye, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or residual effect resulting from a past injury to the optic nerve of the left eye. This could manifest as persistent vision loss, visual field defects, or other neurological impairments directly attributable to the original trauma. The "sequela" designation indicates that the acute injury has resolved, but its lasting consequences are now being addressed.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with chronic visual disturbances or optic neuropathy in the left eye, where the etiology is clearly linked to a previously sustained injury. Documentation should explicitly state the connection between the current condition and the prior trauma, and indicate that the acute phase of the injury has passed.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code for the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., H47.012 for ischemic optic neuropathy, left eye).
• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between an acute injury and a sequela; the "S" seventh character is crucial for sequela coding.
• Do not use this code for acute optic nerve injuries; those would be coded with the appropriate S04.012_ code without the "S" seventh character.