Zoster conjunctivitis

This code represents an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by the varicella-zoster virus, typically occurring as a complication of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. It manifests with symptoms such as redness, irritation, tearing, and sometimes photophobia, affecting the outer membrane of the eye.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates conjunctivitis directly attributed to a herpes zoster infection. This diagnosis is often made in patients presenting with a zoster rash involving the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve (V1) and concurrent conjunctival inflammation.

• Ensure documentation specifies "zoster" or "herpes zoster" as the etiology of the conjunctivitis.
• Do not confuse with other forms of viral conjunctivitis; the viral agent must be explicitly identified as varicella-zoster.
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary diagnosis of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (B02.30 or more specific codes if available).