Foreign body sensation, bilateral eyes

This code signifies a subjective feeling of an object or irritant being present in both eyes, without an actual foreign body being identified. Patients often describe a gritty, sandy, or scratchy sensation, or a feeling of something being "in" their eye. This symptom can be associated with various ocular surface disorders or irritations.

Use this code when a patient presents with a chief complaint of foreign body sensation affecting both eyes, and a thorough examination does not reveal an actual foreign body. Documentation should clearly state "foreign body sensation, bilateral" or similar phrasing, and rule out the presence of an actual foreign body. It is often used as a symptom code when the underlying cause is still being investigated or is not yet definitively diagnosed.

• Do not use this code if an actual foreign body is identified; instead, code for the specific foreign body and its location.
• Consider sequencing this code after a more definitive diagnosis if one is established (e.g., dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis) that explains the sensation.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the sensation is bilateral to support the use of this specific code.