H04: Disorders of lacrimal system

H04 refers to Disorders of lacrimal system, a set of ocular disorders involving the eyelids, tear-producing structures, or the eye socket (orbit). These conditions may be caused by infection, inflammation, trauma, or anatomical abnormalities and often present with swelling, discomfort, or visual changes.

Symptoms

• Swollen, red eyelid – Seen in hordeolum (stye) or chalazion (H00)
• Scaly, itchy lids – Common in eyelid dermatitis or blepharitis (H01)
• Eyelid drooping or malposition – Found in entropion, ectropion under H02
• Tearing or dry eye – Suggests lacrimal gland or duct disorders (H04)
• Bulging eye or restricted movement – Linked to orbital cellulitis or tumors (H05)
• Localized pain or pressure – Present in many lacrimal and orbital pathologies
• Blurred vision or eye displacement – Particularly concerning in orbital involvement

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Disorders of lacrimal system includes clinical eye examination, slit-lamp evaluation, fluorescein staining (for lacrimal assessment), imaging like orbital CT or ultrasound (for H05), and occasionally biopsy for persistent or atypical lesions. History of trauma or infection helps guide diagnosis.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code H04 is used in ophthalmology, emergency care, ENT, and general practice settings. It supports clinical documentation for insurance, procedural coding (e.g., drainage or surgery), medical leave justification, and specialty referrals.

Related Codes

• H00 – Hordeolum and chalazion
• H01 – Other inflammation of eyelid
• H02 – Other disorders of eyelid
• H05 – Disorders of orbit

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code H04?
A: It refers to Disorders of lacrimal system, affecting eyelids, tear ducts, or orbital structures and often associated with inflammation, infection, or structural anomalies.

Q2: Are these conditions serious?
A: Most eyelid issues are minor, but orbital infections (H05) can threaten vision or spread intracranially if not treated promptly.

Q3: How are lacrimal disorders treated?
A: Treatments include artificial tears, warm compresses, lacrimal probing, or surgical procedures like dacryocystorhinostomy.

Q4: Can these be managed at home?
A: Mild conditions like styes may resolve with warm compresses, but persistent, painful, or vision-affecting issues need medical evaluation.

Q5: Who manages these conditions?
A: Ophthalmologists, optometrists, oculoplastic surgeons, and sometimes ENT specialists depending on complexity.

Conclusion

ICD10 code H04 ensures proper classification and treatment planning for Disorders of lacrimal system, improving access to specialist care, appropriate interventions, and outcome tracking in patients with eyelid, lacrimal, or orbital disorders.