ICD-10 Code H44.529 – Atrophy of globe, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.529 – Atrophy of globe, unspecified eye
What it is
H44.529 identifies atrophy of the globe in an unspecified eye. Use it when the eye has shrunk or lost volume, and the record does not specify right or left.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, the globe appears small, shrunken, or disorganized on exam or imaging, with reduced visual function often noted.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents atrophy of the globe and does not identify the affected eye. It also fits cases where laterality is missing or cannot be confirmed from the record.
Assign it only from clear documentation of globe atrophy, not from general vision loss alone. If the note describes a specific eye, code the laterality reported.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for simple visual impairment, cataract, or other eye disorders without globe atrophy. Check documentation if the record instead describes phthisis bulbi or another specific diagnosis.
Coding tip
Verify whether the provider documented right, left, or unspecified eye before selecting H44.529.