Perforated corneal ulcer, left eye

This code signifies a full-thickness defect in the cornea of the left eye, resulting from the progression of a corneal ulcer. This perforation allows for communication between the anterior chamber and the external environment, posing a significant risk of intraocular infection and vision loss.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a perforated corneal ulcer affecting the left eye. This typically occurs in severe cases of infectious keratitis, neurotrophic keratopathy, or autoimmune conditions. Look for terms like "perforated ulcer," "corneal perforation," or "descemetocele with rupture" specifically referencing the left eye.

• Ensure laterality is explicitly documented as "left eye" to avoid incorrect coding.
• Do not confuse this with non-perforated corneal ulcers (H16.01-H16.06) or corneal scars (H17.-).
• Code any underlying cause of the corneal ulcer (e.g., bacterial keratitis, herpetic keratitis) as an additional diagnosis.