H11: Other disorders of conjunctiva

H11 refers to Other disorders of conjunctiva, 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 Other disorders of conjunctiva 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 H11 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

• H10 – Conjunctivitis

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code H11?
A: It refers to Other disorders of conjunctiva, 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 H11 provides accurate classification of Other disorders of conjunctiva, facilitating diagnosis, treatment, outbreak control, and long-term management of both infectious and non-infectious conjunctival disorders.