ICD-10 Code H31.029 – Solar Retinopathy, Unspecified Eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H31.029 – Solar retinopathy, unspecified eye
What it is
Solar retinopathy is retinal injury caused by direct exposure to sunlight or other intense light. This code is used when the affected eye is not specified in the record.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include decreased central vision, a central scotoma, and visual distortion after light exposure.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents solar retinopathy and does not identify the right or left eye. It also fits when the note describes retinal damage from sun gazing, eclipse viewing, or another intense light source without laterality.
Do not use for
Do not use it for other retinal disorders, traumatic eye injury, or unspecified visual loss without documentation of solar exposure. Check documentation if the record names a different eye condition.
Coding tip
Verify laterality in the ophthalmology note; if the eye is identified, choose the more specific ICD-10 code instead of H31.029.