ICD-10 Code H26.1 – Traumatic cataract (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H26.1 – Traumatic cataract
What it is
H26.1 identifies a cataract that develops after eye trauma. Use it when documentation shows lens opacity caused by an injury rather than age-related or congenital change.
Clinical signs
Findings may include blurred vision, glare, monocular diplopia, or visible lens opacity after eye injury. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H26.1 when the provider documents traumatic cataract, cataract due to trauma, or lens opacity following ocular injury. It may apply whether the trauma is blunt, penetrating, or surgical if the record links the cataract to injury. Check documentation if the cause is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for age-related cataract, congenital cataract, or other nontraumatic lens disorders. If the record does not clearly connect the cataract to trauma, check documentation.
Coding tip
Code the traumatic cataract only when the chart explicitly links the cataract to an injury.