ICD-10 Code H35.159 – Retinopathy of prematurity, stage 4, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.159 – Retinopathy of prematurity, stage 4, unspecified eye
What it is
This code identifies retinopathy of prematurity at stage 4 when the affected eye is not specified. Stage 4 means partial retinal detachment related to abnormal retinal vessel growth in a premature infant.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Standard references describe abnormal retinal vascular development, plus retinal detachment findings on examination, with staging based on ophthalmologic assessment.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record documents stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity but does not identify the right or left eye. It is appropriate for neonatal ophthalmology notes, discharge summaries, or problem lists that confirm the stage.
If the provider specifies laterality, choose the eye-specific code instead. Check documentation when the stage is unclear or when the condition is described only as prematurity-related retinal disease.
Do not use for
Do not use it for other stages of retinopathy of prematurity or for unspecified prematurity-related eye findings without stage 4 documentation. Check documentation if the diagnosis is not confirmed.
Coding tip
Always capture the documented stage and laterality separately; unspecified eye codes are used only when the chart does not identify the affected eye.