ICD-10 Code H59.019 – Keratopathy (bullous aphakic) following cataract surgery, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H59.019 – Keratopathy (bullous aphakic) following cataract surgery, unspecified eye
What it is
This code identifies corneal edema with bullae that develops after cataract surgery in an eye without a lens. Use it when the record specifically links the keratopathy to prior cataract surgery and does not identify the affected eye.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include corneal swelling, epithelial bullae, blurred vision, and eye discomfort. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the affected eye and whether the condition is described as aphakic.
When to use this code
Use H59.019 when the provider documents bullous aphakic keratopathy as a postoperative complication of cataract surgery and laterality is not stated. It also fits records that describe corneal decompensation after cataract extraction in an aphakic eye. Check documentation if the note only says corneal edema without the postoperative link.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for routine postoperative inflammation, nonspecific corneal edema, or keratopathy unrelated to cataract surgery. If the chart identifies the right or left eye, choose the laterality-specific code instead.
Coding tip
Confirm three elements in the note: aphakia, cataract-surgery relationship, and unspecified eye.