ICD-10 Code H47.2 – Optic atrophy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H47.2 – Optic atrophy
What it is
Optic atrophy means damage or loss of optic nerve fibers, leading to a pale optic disc and reduced visual function. It is a descriptive diagnosis, not a cause-specific one.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include decreased visual acuity, visual field loss, and optic disc pallor on eye examination. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H47.2 when the record documents optic atrophy, optic nerve pallor, or chronic optic nerve degeneration. Apply it when the clinician identifies the condition itself, even if the underlying cause is also documented. Check documentation if the atrophy is only suspected.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute optic neuritis, papilledema, or other optic nerve disorders without atrophy. Do not assign it when the note only mentions visual loss without a documented optic nerve diagnosis.
Coding tip
Code the underlying cause separately when documented, and confirm laterality or etiology only if the record supports it.