ICD-10 Code H44.51 – Absolute Glaucoma (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.51 – Absolute glaucoma
What it is
Absolute glaucoma refers to advanced, end-stage glaucoma with severe optic nerve damage and no useful vision in the affected eye. Use this code when documentation clearly identifies the condition as absolute glaucoma.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. It is generally associated with profound visual loss, a blind eye, and advanced glaucomatous optic nerve changes.
When to use this code
Use H44.51 when the provider documents absolute glaucoma, end-stage glaucoma, or a blind glaucomatous eye. Apply it when the record supports irreversible loss of vision from glaucoma rather than a suspected or early-stage form. Check documentation if the note only says glaucoma without specifying severity.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for glaucoma that is only suspected, monitored, or not yet documented as absolute. Do not assign it when the eye condition is better described by another glaucoma type or by a different cause of blindness.
Coding tip
Code H44.51 only when the chart explicitly supports end-stage, absolute glaucoma; otherwise, query for clarification.