Fuchs Dystrophy ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about the billing and tracking of the ICD-10 Codes Used for Fuchs Dystrophy. Understand common treatments for this eye condition.

By Chloe Smith on Feb 29, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

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Fuchs Dystrophy ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Fuchs Dystrophy 

H18.51 

This Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy ICD 10 code corresponds to a progressive condition typically impacting individuals aged 40 and above. The cornea thinning and a reduction in endothelial cell count characterize it. Consequently, it leads to issues such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and glare. Symptoms manifest gradually, with initial stages potentially causing mild blurriness. As the condition advances, the blurriness worsens, often accompanied by halos around lights, glare, and light sensitivity. In severe instances, the cornea might turn cloudy, obstructing vision.

H18.512

As one of the common Fuchs Dystrophy ICD Codes, it represents a condition involving the left cornea's endothelial cells. It results in symptoms similar to general endothelial corneal dystrophy but only affects the left eye. These symptoms closely resemble those of general endothelial corneal dystrophy. However, the blurriness might be more pronounced in the left eye compared to the right.

H18.513

This Fuchs Dystrophy ICD 10 code pertains to a situation where the right cornea's endothelial cells are dysfunctional. It leads to symptoms akin to typical endothelial corneal dystrophy but exclusively impacts the right eye. 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.

H18.519

This ICD 10 Fuchs Dystrophy code discusses a condition where the endothelial cells of one or both corneas are impaired. This results in symptoms similar to general endothelial corneal dystrophy. However, the specific affected eye is unspecified. The symptoms are consistent with those of general endothelial corneal dystrophy. However, it might be challenging to determine the affected eye, or the patient might intentionally withhold that information.

H20.819

This code describes a situation where Fuchs dystrophy is accompanied by heterochromia iridis. This combination leads to symptoms akin to general Fuchs dystrophy, with the additional feature of distinct iris colors. Heterochromia iridis involves the presence of different iris colors, ranging from subtle to striking. In cases of Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis, the iris in the affected eye tends to appear lighter than the iris in the unaffected eye.

Which Fuchs Dystrophy ICD codes are Billable: 

Yes, ICD-10 codes for Fuchs dystrophy, which are H18.51, H18.512 (left eye), H18.513 (right eye), and H20.819 (Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis, unspecified eye) are billable. However, the broader code H18.50 for unspecified hereditary corneal dystrophies is not 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 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' heterochromic cyclitis
  • Fuchs' dystrophy
  • Endothelial corneal dystrophy
  • Corneal endothelial dystrophy
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Commonly asked questions

When to 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 makes sure doctors and hospitals know what's going on.

What are the common treatments for Fuchs Dystrophy Diagnosis Codes?

For Fuchs dystrophy, there are a few usual treatments. People might use eye drops to help with dryness and discomfort. Tiny plugs can be put in tear ducts to stop too many tears from draining. In more serious cases, there's a surgery where they 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 does a diagnosis code for Fuchs Dystrophy mean?

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 take care of people with Fuchs dystrophy.

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