ICD-10 Code H21.24 – Degeneration of pupillary margin (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H21.24 – Degeneration of pupillary margin
What it is
H21.24 identifies degeneration of the pupillary margin, a disorder affecting the edge of the iris around the pupil. Use it when the record specifically documents this degenerative change.
Clinical signs
Findings may include abnormal pigmentation, irregularity, or atrophy at the pupil border. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the exact ophthalmic description.
When to use this code
Use this code when the ophthalmologist documents degeneration limited to the pupillary margin. It may appear in slit-lamp findings or a specialist assessment describing iris margin change. If the note only says “iris abnormality,” check documentation before assigning H21.24.
Do not use for
Do not use it for general iris disease, pupil disorders, or nonspecific eye degeneration unless the pupillary margin is named. Check documentation if the record describes trauma, inflammation, or another specific cause.
Coding tip
Match the diagnosis exactly to the documented anatomic site; “pupillary margin” is more specific than “iris” or “pupil.”