ICD-10 Code H16.139 – Photokeratitis, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.139 – Photokeratitis, unspecified eye
What it is
Photokeratitis is an acute corneal injury from ultraviolet light exposure. This unspecified-eye code applies when the record confirms photokeratitis but does not identify the affected eye.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include eye pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and a gritty or foreign-body sensation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H16.139 when the clinician documents photokeratitis and laterality is not stated or cannot be determined from the note. It may appear after welding arc exposure, snow glare, or other UV exposure. Code only when the diagnosis is documented, not merely suspected.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for corneal abrasion, foreign body, or chemical eye injury unless photokeratitis is specifically documented. Check documentation if another eye disorder is the primary diagnosis.
Coding tip
If the affected eye is documented, report the laterality-specific code instead of the unspecified-eye code.