ICD-10 Code H44.73 – Retained (nonmagnetic) (old) foreign body in lens (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.73 – Retained (nonmagnetic) (old) foreign body in lens
What it is
H44.73 identifies an old, retained nonmagnetic foreign body located in the lens of the eye. Use it when documentation shows a chronic or previously present lens foreign body rather than an acute injury.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a visible lens opacity, decreased vision, or a history of ocular trauma with a retained object. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record specifically states a retained, nonmagnetic, or old foreign body in the lens. It may apply after prior penetrating eye injury or when an ophthalmologist documents a chronic lens foreign body on exam or imaging.
If the note distinguishes the lens foreign body from corneal, intraocular, or other ocular foreign bodies, code the lens finding only. Check documentation for laterality and any associated eye injury codes.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute foreign body injuries, magnetic foreign bodies, or foreign bodies in other eye structures. Do not assign it when the chart only says “foreign body in eye” without lens involvement.
Coding tip
Code only when the lens location and retained/old status are clearly documented; otherwise, check documentation.