ICD-10 Code H44.659 – Retained (old) magnetic foreign body in vitreous body, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.659 – Retained (old) magnetic foreign body in vitreous body, unspecified eye
What it is
This code identifies an old, retained magnetic foreign body located in the vitreous body of an unspecified eye. Use it when the object is still present and the record does not specify right or left eye.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a documented intraocular foreign body in the vitreous, often confirmed by ophthalmic exam or imaging. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, chronicity, and whether the body is magnetic.
When to use this code
Use H44.659 when the chart states a retained, old magnetic foreign body in the vitreous body and the affected eye is not specified. It also fits follow-up visits for a known chronic retained object when no acute injury is described. Check documentation if the note says only “foreign body” or gives a different anatomic site.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a recent penetrating eye injury or a foreign body in the cornea, conjunctiva, lens, or orbit. If the eye laterality is documented, use the specified-eye code instead.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider documents both “retained/old” and “magnetic” before assigning this code.