ICD-10 Code for Ocular Allergies
The ICD-10 code for allergic conjunctivitis is H10.1, which encompasses both seasonal and perennial forms of ocular allergies.
Primary Diagnostic Code
- H10.1 is the standard ICD-10 code for allergic conjunctivitis, covering the most common presentations of ocular allergy 1
Specific Subcategories
While the provided guidelines focus on clinical management rather than detailed ICD-10 coding hierarchies, the H10.1 code applies to:
- Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) - the acute form triggered by seasonal allergens like pollen 2, 3
- Perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC) - the chronic form caused by year-round allergens such as dust mites and pet dander 4, 3
Related Severe Forms
For more severe chronic variants that may require different coding specificity:
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) - a severe chronic form primarily affecting children, often requiring topical corticosteroids and cyclosporine 5, 6
- Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) - associated with atopic dermatitis and requiring aggressive management 6, 7
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) - typically contact lens-related 1, 7
Clinical Context for Coding
The diagnosis should be supported by characteristic clinical features including:
- Itching as the hallmark symptom distinguishing allergic from other forms of conjunctivitis 1
- Bilateral conjunctival injection and chemosis 3
- Watery or mucoid discharge (not purulent) 1
- Associated allergic rhinitis in most cases 4, 3
Important Coding Considerations
- Document laterality when possible, though allergic conjunctivitis is typically bilateral 4
- Note any associated systemic allergic conditions (asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis) that may require additional codes 1
- For severe cases with corneal involvement, additional codes for keratitis may be warranted 5, 6