ICD-10 Code H47.61 – Cortical Blindness (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H47.61 – Cortical blindness
What it is
Cortical blindness is vision loss caused by damage to the visual cortex in the brain, not by a problem in the eyes themselves. You use this code when documentation confirms blindness from occipital or cortical injury.
Clinical signs
Patients may have absent or severely reduced visual perception despite normal or near-normal ocular examination findings. Pupillary responses are often preserved; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H47.61 when the record specifically states cortical blindness, including after stroke, trauma, hypoxic injury, or other brain lesions affecting visual processing. Code it when the provider links the blindness to cortical damage rather than an eye disorder. If the cause is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for blindness due to cataract, retinal disease, optic nerve disease, or unspecified visual loss. Do not assign it when the note only says “vision loss” without confirming cortical involvement.
Coding tip
Look for documentation of brain-based visual loss and code the underlying neurologic cause when it is reported.