H16.31
Corneal abscess
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
A corneal abscess, also known as keratitis with abscess, is a serious eye condition characterized by a localized collection of pus within the cornea. The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil, playing a crucial role in focusing vision. When an abscess develops, it can threaten sight and requires prompt medical attention to prevent permanent damage or vision loss.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Bacterial infections, often from common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species Fungal infections resulting from fungi like Fusarium or Aspergillus Viral infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) Parasitic infections, such as Acanthamoeba (commonly associated with contact lens use) Corneal trauma or injury that breaches the eye's protective outer layer Pre-existing eye conditions, including corneal ulcers or keratitis Poor contact lens hygiene and extended or overnight lens wear Compromised immune system making the eye more susceptible to infections
Key Symptoms: Severe eye pain or discomfort Redness of the eye Sensitivity to light (photophobia) Blurred or decreased vision Tearing or watery eyes Swelling of the eyelids A visible or apparent white or yellowish infiltrate on the cornea A sense of a foreign body in the eye Possible discharge from the eye
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of a corneal abscess typically involves a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The clinician will conduct slit-lamp microscopy to identify the abscess and assess the extent of corneal involvement. Corneal scrapings or swabs may be taken to identify the infectious organism through laboratory tests, including Gram stain, cultures, or molecular diagnostics. Additional imaging or tests may be performed to evaluate the depth and severity of the infection.
Treatment Protocols: Treatment strategies aim to eliminate the infection, reduce inflammation, and preserve vision. These include:
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is H16.31 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, H16.31 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report H16.31?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Corneal abscess and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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