Vitamin A deficiency with conjunctival xerosis

This code signifies a nutritional deficiency of Vitamin A that has progressed to affect the eyes, specifically causing dryness and thickening of the conjunctiva. This ocular manifestation is an early sign of xerophthalmia, a spectrum of eye disease due to severe Vitamin A deficiency.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states Vitamin A deficiency accompanied by conjunctival xerosis. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing clinical signs of xerosis, such as Bitot's spots or conjunctival dryness, in the context of a confirmed or suspected Vitamin A deficiency.

• Differentiate from other forms of xerophthalmia; this code is specific to conjunctival involvement.
• Ensure documentation specifies Vitamin A deficiency as the underlying cause of the conjunctival xerosis.
• Consider additional codes for any associated systemic manifestations of Vitamin A deficiency if documented.