ICD-10 Code H34.233 – Retinal artery branch occlusion, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H34.233 – Retinal artery branch occlusion, bilateral
What it is
H34.233 identifies blockage of branch retinal arteries in both eyes. This reduces blood flow to parts of the retina and can cause sudden visual loss or field defects.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include abrupt, painless vision loss or a localized visual field defect in one or both eyes. Funduscopic exam may show retinal whitening or a sectoral ischemic pattern; clinical features vary, refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents bilateral branch retinal artery occlusion or equivalent wording. It may also fit when both eyes have separate branch occlusions and the record clearly supports bilateral involvement. Check documentation if laterality is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use it for central retinal artery occlusion, retinal vein occlusion, or nonspecific retinal ischemia. If the chart does not confirm both eyes are involved, do not assume bilateral coding.
Coding tip
Confirm laterality from the ophthalmology note or imaging report before assigning H34.233.