ICD-10 Code H16.419 – Ghost vessels (corneal), unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.419 – Ghost vessels (corneal), unspecified eye
What it is
H16.419 identifies corneal ghost vessels in an unspecified eye. It describes old, inactive corneal blood vessels that remain visible after prior vascularization has regressed.
Clinical signs
Findings usually include faint, empty vessel channels in the cornea without active blood flow. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, activity, and associated corneal scarring.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents ghost vessels of the cornea and does not specify left or right eye. It may apply when the note describes residual corneal vascularization after an earlier inflammatory or neovascular process. Check documentation if the record mentions active vessels instead of inactive remnants.
Do not use for
Do not use H16.419 for active corneal neovascularization or for other corneal disorders without ghost vessels. If the eye is specified, code the appropriate laterality instead.
Coding tip
Confirm that the documentation says “ghost vessels” or clearly indicates inactive residual corneal vessels before assigning this code.