H04129 - Dry eye syndrome affecting the tear-producing glands

International Classification of Diseases

Last updated: 10/3/2025

What is a ICD-10 Code?

ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes are used to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms, and procedures recorded in association with hospital care. These codes provide a standardized way to track health conditions and their treatment outcomes.

Detailed Description

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition where your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to eye discomfort and irritation. This specific code indicates that the condition affects your lacrimal glands (the glands that produce tears), but doesn't specify which particular gland is involved. Symptoms typically include eye dryness, burning, stinging, scratchy feeling, sensitivity to light, and sometimes blurred vision. The condition can be caused by aging, certain medications, medical conditions, environmental factors, or problems with the tear-producing glands themselves.

Additional Information

This is a chronic condition that is generally manageable with proper treatment. Most patients find relief with artificial tears, lifestyle modifications, or prescription treatments. While not sight-threatening in most cases, untreated severe dry eye can potentially lead to eye surface damage.

Category

Eye and Vision Disorders

Medical Specialty

Ophthalmology

Expected Costs

We expect this to normally be in the range of:

$150 - $400

This is an estimate based on typical billing patterns. Your actual cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What's Required Before This

  • Eye examination
  • Tear production assessment
  • Medical history review

What to Expect After

  • Regular eye exams
  • Monitoring of symptoms
  • Adjustment of treatment as needed
  • Possible referral to specialist if severe

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

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