ICD-10 Code H18.219 – Corneal edema secondary to contact lens, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H18.219 – Corneal edema secondary to contact lens, unspecified eye
What it is
Use this code for corneal swelling caused by contact lens wear when the affected eye is not specified. It describes edema of the cornea linked to lens use, not a general contact lens problem.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include blurred vision, corneal haze, and eye discomfort after contact lens use. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Assign H18.219 when the clinician documents corneal edema secondary to contact lenses and does not identify right or left eye. Use it for encounters where the corneal swelling is the stated diagnosis, even if the note also mentions contact lens wear.
If the record only says contact lens irritation, intolerance, or a different corneal disorder, check documentation before coding this diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unspecified contact lens complications without corneal edema. Also avoid it when the affected eye is documented and a laterality-specific code applies.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider links the edema to contact lens use and that eye laterality is truly unspecified.