Fuchs' Dystrophy ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about the ICD codes you can use for Fuchs dystrophy through this guide.

By Matt Olivares on May 13, 2025.

Table of content

What ICD-10 codes are used for Fuchs' dystrophy?Which Fuchs' dystrophy ICD codes are billable?Clinical information Synonyms include FAQS

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H18.511 - Endothelial corneal dystrophy, right eye: Fuchs' dystrophy pertains to a situation where the cornea's endothelial cells are dysfunctional. It leads to symptoms akin to typical endothelial corneal dystrophy but exclusively impacts the right eye (at least, for this Fuchs' dystrophy ICD 10 code). The symptoms align with those of general endothelial corneal dystrophy, yet the blurriness could be more significant in the right eye compared to the left.
H18.512 - Endothelial corneal dystrophy, left eye: This is the same as the previous code, but for the left eye.
H18.513 - Endothelial corneal dystrophy, bilateral: This is the same as the previous two codes, but it's for both eyes.
H18.519 - Endothelial corneal dystrophy, unspecified eye: This is only meant to be used if the affected eye(s) are currently unspecified at the moment. Please use more specific codes once the specific eye(s) have been identified.

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Which Fuchs' dystrophy ICD codes are billable?

All of the aforementioned ICD-10 codes are valid and billable.

Clinical information

Fuchs dystrophy is a progressive eye disorder affecting the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. It involves corneal thinning and reduced endothelial cells, which line the inner cornea, leading to blurred vision, light sensitivity, and glare.
The causes of Fuchs' dystrophy are not precisely known, but a mix of genetic and environmental factors is suspected. Prevention methods for Fuchs' dystrophy are currently unavailable.
The symptoms of Fuchs dystrophy develop gradually and include blurred vision, glare, sensitivity to light, the perception of halos around lights, eye pain or discomfort, and increased tearing.
An ophthalmologist conducts a diagnosis of Fuchs dystrophy through a comprehensive eye examination. The cornea is observed using a slit lamp microscope, and additional tests such as corneal topography or specular microscopy might be used for confirmation.
While there is no cure for Fuchs dystrophy, treatments are designed to improve vision and alleviate symptoms. These treatments include using artificial tears or eye drops to relieve dryness and irritation, utilizing punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage, and considering corneal transplantation surgery. This procedure replaces the damaged cornea with healthy tissue from a donor eye.
The prognosis for Fuchs dystrophy varies based on its severity. Some cases progress slowly and don't necessitate treatment, while others may advance rapidly, requiring corneal transplantation surgery.

Synonyms include

Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy
Fuchs' corneal dystrophy
Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis
Fuchs' dystrophy
Endothelial corneal dystrophy
Corneal endothelial dystrophy
Corneal endothelium
Corneal edema due to Fuchs dystrophy
Central cornea dystrophy
Damaged corneal epithelium due to Fuchs dystrophy
Damaged corneal stroma due to Fuchs dystrophy
Stromal edema due to Fuchs dystrophy

Popular search terms for Fuchs dystrophy ICD-10 codes

Fuchs dystrophy ICD-10 code
ICD-10 Fuchs dystrophy
Fuchs dystrophy diagnosis codes
ICD-10 codes for Fuchs dystrophy

Frequently asked questions

Why should I use a Fuchs' dystrophy ICD code?

An ICD code helps with Fuchs' dystrophy by sorting out billing and tracking how often the condition shows up in medical records. It's like a special label that ensures doctors and hospitals know what's happening.

What are the common treatments for Fuchs' dystrophy?

There are a few usual treatments for Fuchs dystrophy. People might use eye drops to help with dryness and discomfort. Tiny plugs can be put in the tear ducts to stop too many tears from draining. In more serious cases, surgery is performed to replace the damaged part of the eye with healthy tissue from someone else's eye. The treatment choice depends on how bad the problem is and what the patient prefers.

What is the purpose of a Fuchs dystrophy diagnosis code?

Think of a diagnosis code for Fuchs dystrophy as a special code that helps with bills and keeps track of how common the condition is. It's a bit like putting things in the right boxes. Doctors and researchers use these codes to better understand and care for people with Fuchs dystrophy.