ICD-10 Code E08.3 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with ophthalmic complications (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E08.3 – Diabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with ophthalmic complications
What it is
This code identifies diabetes caused by another underlying condition, with eye-related complications. Use it when the record links the diabetes to an ophthalmic problem such as diabetic eye disease.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Eye findings may include diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataract, or other ophthalmic involvement documented by the provider.
When to use this code
Use E08.3 when the provider documents diabetes due to an underlying condition and an associated ophthalmic complication. The eye complication should be clearly linked to the diabetes in the chart. If the underlying condition is not stated, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or for diabetes without an eye complication. If the documentation does not establish the underlying cause, code selection is incomplete.
Coding tip
Capture both the underlying condition and the specific ophthalmic complication when documented; if either is missing, check documentation.