ICD-10 Code H16.241 – Ophthalmia nodosa, right eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.241 – Ophthalmia nodosa, right eye
What it is
H16.241 identifies ophthalmia nodosa affecting the right eye. It refers to an inflammatory eye reaction caused by embedded foreign material, often from plant or insect hairs, in the ocular tissues.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include eye redness, irritation, tearing, pain, and foreign-body sensation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the affected ocular structures and whether the reaction is acute or persistent.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents ophthalmia nodosa in the right eye, or clearly describes an ocular reaction from retained irritant material in that eye. Confirm laterality in the note before coding. If the documentation only states foreign body exposure without this diagnosis, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific conjunctivitis, corneal abrasion, or unspecified foreign body injury without ophthalmia nodosa. If the record does not identify the right eye, select the appropriate laterality or check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify the exact diagnosis term and laterality in the ophthalmology note before assigning H16.241.