ICD-10 Code H47.293 – Other optic atrophy, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H47.293 – Other optic atrophy, bilateral
What it is
H47.293 identifies optic atrophy affecting both eyes when the optic nerve has sustained damage and the cause does not fit a more specific category. Use this code for documented bilateral optic nerve pallor or loss of optic nerve function.
Clinical signs
Common findings include decreased visual acuity, reduced color vision, visual field loss, and optic disc pallor on examination. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H47.293 when the record clearly states bilateral optic atrophy or bilateral optic nerve atrophy, and no more specific etiology is documented. It also fits cases where the provider describes chronic optic nerve damage in both eyes without another assignable optic neuropathy code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unilateral optic atrophy, which requires a different code. Do not assign it when the diagnosis is another specified optic nerve disorder or when documentation is insufficient; check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider documents both laterality and the term “optic atrophy” before reporting H47.293.