ICD-10 Code H18.239 – Secondary corneal edema, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H18.239 – Secondary corneal edema, unspecified eye
What it is
H18.239 identifies corneal swelling caused by another condition or prior eye issue, when the affected eye is not specified. It tells you the edema is secondary rather than a primary corneal disorder.
Clinical signs
Clinical features may include blurred vision, corneal haze, and a swollen or thickened cornea on examination. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record documents secondary corneal edema and does not identify the right or left eye. It may follow surgery, trauma, inflammation, or another ocular disorder, but you should code only what is documented. If the cause is stated, report it separately when appropriate.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for primary corneal edema or when a more specific eye laterality is documented. Do not assign it if the chart does not clearly support edema secondary to another condition.
Coding tip
Check laterality and the underlying cause before coding, and use the unspecified-eye code only when the record truly lacks eye-specific detail.