Perforated corneal ulcer, bilateral

This code signifies a full-thickness defect in the cornea of both eyes, resulting from the progression of a corneal ulcer. This perforation allows aqueous humor to leak from the anterior chamber, potentially leading to severe vision loss and intraocular infection. It represents a critical ophthalmic emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a perforated corneal ulcer affecting both the right and left eyes. This diagnosis is typically supported by slit-lamp examination findings, fluorescein staining showing leakage, and often a positive Seidel test. It is appropriate for cases where the ulcer has progressed to a full-thickness stromal defect.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "perforated" and "bilateral" for accurate code assignment.
• Distinguish from non-perforated corneal ulcers (H16.00-H16.06) which represent a less severe stage of the disease.
• Code any underlying cause of the corneal ulcer (e.g., infectious agent, autoimmune disease) as an additional diagnosis.