Vitamin A deficiency with corneal ulceration and xerosis

This code signifies a nutritional deficiency characterized by insufficient vitamin A, leading to severe ocular manifestations. Specifically, it indicates the presence of both corneal ulceration (open sores on the cornea) and xerosis (dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea), which are advanced stages of vitamin A deficiency affecting the eye.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency accompanied by both corneal ulceration and xerosis. This is typically seen in cases of severe malnutrition or malabsorption syndromes where ocular damage has progressed significantly due to the deficiency.

• Ensure documentation explicitly mentions both "corneal ulceration" and "xerosis" in the context of vitamin A deficiency.
• Do not use this code for less severe ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency, such as night blindness or conjunctival xerosis without ulceration.
• Consider co-coding any underlying causes of the vitamin A deficiency, such as malnutrition (e.g., protein-calorie malnutrition) or malabsorption disorders.