Alkaline chemical burn of cornea and conjunctival sac

This code signifies an injury to the eye caused by contact with an alkaline chemical substance, specifically affecting the cornea and the conjunctival sac. This type of burn can range in severity from superficial irritation to severe tissue damage, potentially leading to vision impairment.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an alkaline chemical burn involving both the cornea and the conjunctiva. This typically occurs after exposure to substances like lye, ammonia, or lime. Supporting documentation should specify the chemical agent (if known to be alkaline) and the affected ocular structures.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "alkaline" as the chemical type; otherwise, a general chemical burn code may be more appropriate.
• Do not use this code if only the cornea or only the conjunctival sac is affected; specific codes exist for isolated burns.
• Consider sequencing this code with an external cause code (E-code) to identify the circumstances of the injury.