Start New EnglishEspañol中文РусскийالعربيةTiếng ViệtFrançaisDeutsch한국어Tagalog Library Performance
BETA v.3.0

2025 ICD-10-CM code A18.59

Other tuberculosis of the eye. This code is used for tuberculosis manifestations in the eye not classified elsewhere.

Use additional code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-).Do not use this code for certain localized infections (refer to body system chapters), carrier status (Z22.-), infections complicating pregnancy/childbirth (O98.-), or perinatal infections (P35-P39).

Medical necessity for treatment is established by confirming the diagnosis of ocular TB. This usually involves laboratory tests (e.g. PCR) in addition to clinical findings.

Clinicians should consider the various manifestations of ocular TB, including lid abscesses, external eye inflammation (blepharitis, conjunctivitis, interstitial keratitis, scleritis), granulomatous masses (atypical chalazion), mucus/pus discharge, and intraocular inflammation (iridocyclitis, retinochoroiditis). Diagnosis can be challenging and often relies on PCR, tuberculin skin tests, and patient history. Treatment typically involves antituberculous chemotherapy and steroids.

In simple words: This code indicates tuberculosis affecting the eye, in a way not covered by other, more specific codes.

Other tuberculosis of the eye is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis (TB). It results from the reactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli previously lodged in the eye, rarely by Mycobacterium bovis, or by direct inoculation through an open wound. This code is used when the specific manifestation isn't represented by another code.

Example 1: A patient presents with a history of TB and new-onset eye pain, redness, and blurred vision. Examination reveals granulomas in the choroid. PCR confirms ocular TB, and the patient is diagnosed with other tuberculosis of the eye (A18.59)., A patient with no prior TB history develops a persistent, painful eye inflammation. After extensive testing, including PCR of intraocular fluid, a diagnosis of tuberculous scleritis is made. Since there's no other specific code, A18.59 is used., A child presents with an atypical chalazion.Further investigation and testing reveals the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to a diagnosis of other tuberculosis of the eye (A18.59).

Documentation should include evidence of TB infection (e.g., PCR, tuberculin skin test, history), detailed ophthalmological examination findings, and any other diagnostic tests performed.If a more specific diagnosis can be made (e.g. tuberculous keratitis), the more specific code should be used instead of A18.59.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

Discover what matters.

iFrame™ AI's knowledge is aligned with and limited to the materials uploaded by users and should not be interpreted as medical, legal, or any other form of advice by iFrame™.