ICD 10 CM H04.219 | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 H04.219 describes a medical condition characterized by excessive tear production resulting in abnormal moistness and watery appearance of an unspecified eye, with no indication from the provider as to whether the condition affects the right, left, or both lacrimal glands.
Official Description Of H04.219
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code H04.219 as:
Excludes1: congenital malformations of lacrimal system (Q10.4-Q10.6)
When To Use H04.219
The diagnosis describes by the ICD-10-CM code H04.219 is a medical condition known as epiphora or watery eyes. It refers to the overproduction of tears that may result in constant moisture in the eyes. It is not to be confused with crying induced by emotions since epiphora occurs regardless of a patient’s emotional state.
Epiphora may be due to various causes, including medications, allergies, blocked tear ducts, dry eyes, foreign objects or injury, infections, inflammations, and other underlying medical conditions. The condition may also occur during activities such as yawning or laughing.
Patients with excess tear production from an unspecified lacrimal gland may exhibit redness, a foreign body sensation, gritty sensations, enlarged blood vessels, soreness, sharp pain, eyelid swelling, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. Additionally, patients may also complain of blurred vision and may suffer from repeated eye infections.
To diagnose epiphora, healthcare providers perform a thorough medical history and physical examination, including an eye examination. They may also use chemical testing to analyze tears and determine the cause of the condition. If an infection is suspected, a laboratory examination of tears or eye discharge may be performed.
Treatment of epiphora involves addressing its underlying cause. Different causes may require different approaches, such as flushing foreign bodies from the eyes, antibiotics for infections, and antiallergen medications for allergic reactions. In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat blocked tear ducts.
For patients with epiphora, continuous monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the effectiveness of treatment and the management of underlying medical conditions that can trigger the condition. Lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding cigarette smoke, wearing eye goggles in dusty environments, and avoiding allergens, could also help manage and prevent the condition from recurring.
In addition to medical evaluations and treatments, patients may also consider looking into options for treating dry eyes or reducing eye strain, such as using eye drops, following the 20-20-20 rule, or increasing humidity levels in their homes.
Epiphora can be a troublesome and uncomfortable medical condition, but with proper diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment, patients can experience relief from its symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
