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  5. Other congenital malformations of eye (Q15)

Other congenital malformations of eye (Q15)

The ICD-10 code Q15 and its subcodes identify various congenital malformations of the eye that are present from birth but differ from more common eye anomalies. These codes are used to specify conditions such as congenital glaucoma (Q15.0), other particular congenital eye malformations (Q15.8), and unspecified congenital eye malformations (Q15.9).

The ICD-10 code for congenital glaucoma (Q15.0) covers a range of terms including primary congenital glaucoma, buphthalmos, and Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, helping coders link everyday clinical terms to this official classification. Q15.8 captures less common specified malformations like megalocornea, congenital ocular melanocytosis, and epibulbar lipodermoid, useful when the diagnosis is detailed but doesn’t fit other categories. For cases where the congenital eye abnormality is known but not precisely defined, Q15.9 is employed, often encompassing complex syndromes involving ocular and other systemic features. These codes guide accurate documentation and billing for congenital eye conditions in both clinical and administrative settings.

Instructional Notations

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Choanal Atresia

A congenital abnormality that is characterized by a blocked CHOANAE, the opening between the nose and the NASOPHARYNX. Blockage can be unilateral or bilateral; bony or membranous.

Exfoliation Syndrome

The deposition of flaky, translucent fibrillar material most conspicuous on the anterior lens capsule and pupillary margin but also in both surfaces of the iris, the zonules, trabecular meshwork, ciliary body, corneal endothelium, and orbital blood vessels. It sometimes forms a membrane on the anterior iris surface. Exfoliation refers to the shedding of pigment by the iris. (Newell, Ophthalmology, 7th ed, p380)

Glaucoma

An ocular disease, occurring in many forms, having as its primary characteristics an unstable or a sustained increase in the intraocular pressure which the eye cannot withstand without damage to its structure or impairment of its function. The consequences of the increased pressure may be manifested in a variety of symptoms, depending upon type and severity, such as excavation of the optic disk, hardness of the eyeball, corneal anesthesia, reduced visual acuity, seeing of colored halos around lights, disturbed dark adaptation, visual field defects, and headaches. (Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed)

Glaucoma Drainage Implants

Devices, usually incorporating unidirectional valves, which are surgically inserted in the sclera to maintain normal intraocular pressure.

Glaucoma, Angle-Closure

A form of glaucoma in which the intraocular pressure increases because the angle of the anterior chamber is blocked and the aqueous humor cannot drain from the anterior chamber.

Glaucoma, Neovascular

A form of secondary glaucoma which develops as a consequence of another ocular disease and is attributed to the forming of new vessels in the angle of the anterior chamber.

Glaucoma, Open-Angle

Glaucoma in which the angle of the anterior chamber is open and the trabecular meshwork does not encroach on the base of the iris.

Low Tension Glaucoma

A form of glaucoma in which chronic optic nerve damage and loss of vision normally attributable to buildup of intraocular pressure occurs despite prevailing conditions of normal intraocular pressure.

Ocular Hypertension

A condition in which the intraocular pressure is elevated above normal and which may lead to glaucoma.

Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous

A developmental ocular anomaly in which the primary VITREOUS BODY and its surrounding hyaloid vasculature failed to regress. It is usually unilateral and characterized by CATARACT; MICROPHTHALMOS (small eyeballs), and retrolenticular fibrovascular tissue. (from Yanoff: Ophthalmology, 2nd ed.)

Weill-Marchesani Syndrome

Rare congenital disorder of connective tissue characterized by brachydactyly, joint stiffness, childhood onset of ocular abnormalities (e.g., microspherophakia, ECTOPIA LENTIS; GLAUCOMA), and proportionate short stature. Cardiovascular anomalies are occasionally seen.