Exposure to welding light (arc), initial encounter

This code signifies an injury resulting from direct exposure to the intense light emitted during welding processes, specifically arc welding. This exposure typically leads to photokeratitis, also known as "welder's flash" or "arc eye," which is a painful inflammation of the cornea.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms such as eye pain, foreign body sensation, photophobia, or blurred vision after being exposed to welding light. This code is appropriate for the initial assessment and treatment of such an injury.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states exposure to welding light as the cause of the eye injury.
• This code is for the external cause of injury; an additional code for the specific eye condition (e.g., H16.11-) should also be reported.
• Confirm the encounter is the initial one for this specific injury to use the "A" seventh character.