A50.31

What This Code Means

This is an eye infection caused by syphilis that was passed from mother to child before birth, occurring years after birth and causing inflammation in the clear front part of the eye (cornea). It results in scarring and vision problems that develop later in childhood or adulthood.

Coding Tips

• •This code is specific to late congenital syphilis manifestations; verify documentation confirms both the congenital syphilis diagnosis and the keratitis (eye inflammation) component
• •Ensure the laterality is documented (right eye, left eye, or bilateral) as additional characters may be required depending on your facility's coding system; coordinate with ophthalmology records for confirmation