ICD-10 Code H16.24 – Ophthalmia nodosa (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.24 – Ophthalmia nodosa
What it is
H16.24 identifies ophthalmia nodosa, an inflammatory eye condition caused by foreign material, often fine hairs or spines, entering the conjunctiva or cornea. It is typically a localized ocular reaction rather than a primary infectious disease.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly noted findings include eye redness, pain, tearing, foreign-body sensation, photophobia, and visible embedded material or localized inflammation of the ocular surface.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents ophthalmia nodosa by name or clearly describes an ocular inflammatory reaction from retained plant or animal hairs/spines. It fits encounters where the eye condition is the reason for evaluation, observation, or follow-up. Check documentation if the record only says “foreign body in eye.”
Do not use for
Do not use this code for routine conjunctivitis, nonspecific keratitis, or a simple superficial foreign body without the characteristic nodosa reaction. If the chart does not support ophthalmia nodosa specifically, choose the documented diagnosis instead.
Coding tip
Code H16.24 only when the clinician links the ocular inflammation to ophthalmia nodosa, not merely to an eye foreign body.