Vitamin A deficiency with conjunctival xerosis

This code signifies a nutritional deficiency characterized by insufficient vitamin A, specifically manifesting as conjunctival xerosis. Conjunctival xerosis is the drying and thickening of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye, due to inadequate tear production and cellular changes. It is an early ocular sign of vitamin A deficiency.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states vitamin A deficiency with the presence of conjunctival xerosis. This typically occurs in patients with malabsorption syndromes, chronic liver disease, or severe dietary restrictions. Supporting documentation should include clinical findings of conjunctival dryness, Bitot's spots, or other ocular manifestations, along with evidence of vitamin A deficiency.

• Ensure the documentation clearly links the conjunctival xerosis to vitamin A deficiency.
• Do not use this code for other forms of xerophthalmia without specific mention of conjunctival involvement or vitamin A deficiency.
• Consider co-reporting codes for underlying causes of vitamin A deficiency, such as malnutrition or malabsorption disorders.