H10 refers to Conjunctivitis, which includes a group of common ocular surface disorders primarily affecting the conjunctiva—the transparent tissue lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. These conditions may be infectious, allergic, environmental, or related to trauma or degenerative processes.

Symptoms

Red or pink eye – Hallmark of conjunctivitis (H10)
Itching and tearing – Especially prominent in allergic conjunctivitis
Mucous or watery discharge – Seen in bacterial or viral infections
Grittiness or burning sensation – Reported across H10 and H11 cases
Foreign body sensation – May occur with pinguecula or pterygium (H11)
Light sensitivity – Sometimes present in severe or chronic cases
Swollen eyelids – Especially in allergic or severe inflammatory types

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Conjunctivitis is based on clinical examination, slit-lamp evaluation, patient history, and, if needed, conjunctival swabs or cultures. Allergy testing or fluorescein staining may be used to assess etiology and severity in persistent or recurrent cases.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code H10 is frequently used in ophthalmology, primary care, urgent care, pediatrics, and occupational medicine. It assists in documenting red eye complaints, prescribing topical antibiotics or antihistamines, justifying sick leave, and tracking outbreaks of infectious conjunctivitis.

Related Codes

H11 – Other disorders of conjunctiva

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code H10?
A: It refers to Conjunctivitis, a group of ocular conditions involving inflammation, irritation, or structural issues of the conjunctiva.

Q2: Is conjunctivitis contagious?
A: Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious, while allergic and irritant forms are not.

Q3: How is conjunctivitis treated?
A: Depending on cause—topical antibiotics (bacterial), lubricants or cold compresses (viral), antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers (allergic).

Q4: What are examples of H11 diagnoses?
A: Pinguecula, pterygium, conjunctival cysts, and degenerative or post-inflammatory conjunctival lesions.

Q5: Who manages these conditions?
A: Primary care physicians, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and pediatricians.

Conclusion

ICD10 code H10 provides accurate classification of Conjunctivitis, facilitating diagnosis, treatment, outbreak control, and long-term management of both infectious and non-infectious conjunctival disorders.