ICD-10 Code H18.819 – Anesthesia and hypoesthesia of cornea, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H18.819 – Anesthesia and hypoesthesia of cornea, unspecified eye
What it is
This code identifies reduced or absent corneal sensation in an unspecified eye. It describes diminished feeling in the cornea, which may affect protective blinking and awareness of surface injury.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Findings may include decreased corneal touch sensation, reduced blink response, or corneal surface injury that is less painful than expected.
When to use this code
Use H18.819 when the record documents anesthesia or hypoesthesia of the cornea and does not specify right or left eye. You should code it when the provider clearly identifies reduced corneal sensation as the diagnosis.
If the note mentions corneal numbness, diminished corneal sensitivity, or similar language without laterality, this code is appropriate. Check documentation if the eye is specified elsewhere or if the finding is only suspected.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for general eye pain, dry eye, or corneal disease without documented sensory loss. Do not use it when the affected eye is identified and a laterality-specific code is available.
Coding tip
Confirm both the diagnosis and laterality in the chart before assigning H18.819.