Foreign body in cornea, unspecified eye, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a foreign object having previously entered the cornea of an unspecified eye. It indicates that the acute injury has resolved, but ongoing issues related to that past event are present.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a chronic corneal issue, such as scarring, persistent irritation, or visual disturbance, that is directly attributable to a foreign body that was removed in the past. This code is appropriate when the original foreign body is no longer present, but its sequelae are being treated.

• Requires a seventh character of 'S' for sequela, indicating a complication or condition that arises as a direct result of a previous injury.
• Do not use for acute foreign body presence; refer to codes for initial encounters.
• Always code the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., corneal scar, chronic keratitis) as a primary diagnosis, with this code as a secondary diagnosis to establish the etiology.