ICD-10 Code H53.11 – Day blindness (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H53.11 – Day blindness
What it is
H53.11 identifies day blindness, also called nyctalopia in some references? Check documentation. It refers to reduced vision in bright light or difficulty seeing during the day, depending on the source and charted diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see complaints of poor visual function in daylight, glare sensitivity, or difficulty adapting to bright environments, with the exact pattern described by the provider.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents day blindness as the diagnosis. It may apply when the record specifically describes impaired vision in daylight or photophobia-related functional difficulty, and no more specific eye disorder is documented.
Confirm that the note supports the diagnosis rather than a symptom alone. If the chart only states blurred vision, visual disturbance, or another unspecified complaint, check documentation before assigning H53.11.
Do not use for
Do not use it for general vision loss, night blindness, or unspecified visual symptoms unless day blindness is explicitly documented. Check documentation for a more specific ocular condition when available.
Coding tip
Code the provider’s documented diagnosis, not the patient’s description of light-related vision trouble.