ICD-10 Code H35.019 – Changes in retinal vascular appearance, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.019 – Changes in retinal vascular appearance, unspecified eye
What it is
This code identifies a documented change in the appearance of the retinal blood vessels in an unspecified eye. It does not specify the exact vessel abnormality or the underlying cause.
Clinical signs
Findings may include visible retinal vascular changes on eye examination, such as abnormal vessel caliber or appearance. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H35.019 when the chart states retinal vascular changes but does not name a more specific diagnosis or eye. It is appropriate for ophthalmology notes, imaging reports, or consults that document retinal vessel abnormalities without further detail. Check documentation if the cause is described elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use this code when the record identifies a different retinal disorder, such as hemorrhage, occlusion, or diabetic retinopathy. Do not assign it if the affected eye is specified by another, more precise code.
Coding tip
Code the documented eye and the most specific retinal vascular diagnosis available; otherwise, use H35.019 only for unspecified retinal vascular appearance changes.