Diffuse interstitial keratitis, left eye

This code describes a non-ulcerative inflammation of the corneal stroma, specifically affecting the left eye. This condition often results in corneal opacification and can impair vision due to the infiltration of inflammatory cells within the corneal layers.

Use this code when documentation specifies diffuse interstitial keratitis affecting the patient's left eye. This diagnosis is typically supported by ophthalmological examination findings, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy noting stromal inflammation without primary epithelial or endothelial involvement.

• Ensure laterality is clearly documented as "left eye" to support this specific code.
• Differentiate from other forms of keratitis, such as ulcerative keratitis (H16.0-) or other specified forms (H16.8-).
• Look for underlying systemic causes, as interstitial keratitis can be associated with conditions like syphilis or Lyme disease, and code those conditions separately if documented.