Congenital stenosis and stricture of lacrimal duct

This code signifies a narrowing or obstruction of the tear drainage system that is present at birth. This congenital anomaly prevents the normal flow of tears from the eye into the nasal cavity, often leading to epiphora (excessive tearing) and recurrent eye infections.

Assign this code when documentation specifies a congenital malformation resulting in a constricted or blocked lacrimal duct. This is commonly seen in infants presenting with persistent tearing, discharge, or dacryocystitis due to an underdeveloped or imperforate nasolacrimal duct.

• Differentiate from acquired lacrimal duct stenosis, which would be coded elsewhere.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "congenital" or "present at birth" for accurate code assignment.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for associated symptoms like epiphora (H04.20-) or dacryocystitis (H04.3-) if present and separately documented.