ICD-10 Code A18.5 – Tuberculosis of eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A18.5 – Tuberculosis of eye
What it is
A18.5 identifies tuberculosis involving the eye. Use it when documentation shows ocular disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, not just a history of TB or nonspecific eye inflammation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Findings may include uveitis, choroiditis, retinal lesions, or other inflammatory eye changes linked to tuberculosis.
When to use this code
Use A18.5 when the provider documents ocular tuberculosis, tuberculous uveitis, or another eye manifestation attributed to TB. It fits confirmed or clinically diagnosed eye involvement when the record supports a causal TB diagnosis.
If the chart only says “possible TB” or lists eye symptoms without a TB link, check documentation before coding this diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for routine conjunctivitis, generic uveitis, or eye disease with no documented tuberculosis cause. Check documentation if TB is mentioned only as exposure or past history.
Coding tip
Confirm the provider connects the eye finding to tuberculosis; otherwise, code the ocular condition separately and query for clarification.