Late congenital syphilitic optic nerve atrophy

This code represents the irreversible degeneration of the optic nerve due to late-stage congenital syphilis. It signifies a chronic manifestation of the disease, leading to visual impairment or blindness, resulting from infection acquired during fetal development.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with optic nerve atrophy clearly documented as a sequela of congenital syphilis that was not treated or inadequately treated in early life. Documentation should specify "late" or "congenital" syphilis as the etiology of the optic nerve damage.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the optic nerve atrophy to congenital syphilis, not acquired syphilis or other causes.
• Do not use this code for optic nerve atrophy due to early congenital syphilis; this code is specifically for late manifestations.
• Consider additional codes for associated visual impairment or blindness, if documented.