2025 ICD-10-CM code A18.51
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and Parasitic Diseases - Tuberculosis of eye (A18.5) Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99) Feed
Tuberculous episcleritis.Inflammation of the tissue between the sclera (white of the eye) and conjunctiva (membrane lining the eyelid and eye surface) due to tuberculosis.
Medical necessity for treatment of tuberculous episcleritis is established by the diagnosis itself, as it is a serious condition that can lead to vision impairment if left untreated. Treatment aims to eradicate the tuberculosis infection and manage the inflammation.
Physicians diagnose tuberculous episcleritis based on blood tests, tuberculin skin test, and previous history of tuberculosis or active disease. Ocular imaging studies (such as fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography, ocular coherence tomography [OCT]) and chest X–rays may be helpful. Definitive diagnosis is difficult but polymerase chain reaction of intraocular fluid and Mantoux intradermal tuberculin test have been helpful. Treatment includes antituberculous chemotherapy; topical, periocular, intraocular, and systemic steroids may be employed.
In simple words: Tuberculous episcleritis is an eye infection caused by tuberculosis. It affects the area between the white of your eye and the thin membrane covering it. It's a rare complication of TB, usually occurring when the bacteria from a previous TB infection becomes active again in the eye.
Tuberculous episcleritis is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) resulting from reactivation of the bacilli lodged in the area from an original infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rarely by Mycobacterium bovis or by direct introduction of the bacteria through an open wound.
Example 1: A patient presents with eye pain, redness, tearing, and blurred vision. They have a history of tuberculosis. After examination and tests, they are diagnosed with tuberculous episcleritis., A patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis develops eye discomfort and sensitivity to light. Ocular examination reveals nodular lesions, suggesting tuberculous episcleritis., A patient with a past history of treated TB presents with recurrent episodes of eye inflammation.After ruling out other causes, a diagnosis of tuberculous episcleritis is made based on clinical findings and response to antituberculous therapy.
Documentation should include evidence of tuberculosis infection (active or history of), clinical findings of episcleritis (eye redness, pain, tearing, blurred vision, nodular lesions), diagnostic test results (blood tests, tuberculin skin test, ocular imaging, chest X-ray if applicable), and treatment plan.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital