ICD-10 Code H44.23 – Degenerative myopia, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.23 – Degenerative myopia, bilateral
What it is
H44.23 identifies degenerative myopia affecting both eyes. It describes pathologic, progressive nearsightedness with structural eye changes, not simple refractive error.
Clinical signs
Findings may include very high myopia, elongated globe, and retinal or choroidal degeneration. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents degenerative myopia in both eyes, bilateral pathologic myopia, or equivalent wording. Apply it when the condition is the reason for the visit or is clinically relevant to the encounter. Confirm laterality in the note before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use it for uncomplicated myopia or nonspecific refractive error. Check documentation if the record does not clearly state degenerative or bilateral disease.
Coding tip
Code only when the documentation supports both degeneration and bilateral involvement.