ICD-10 Code G45.3 – Amaurosis fugax (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G45.3 – Amaurosis fugax
What it is
Amaurosis fugax is a brief, temporary loss of vision in one eye, often described as a “curtain” or shade coming down. It usually reflects transient reduced blood flow to the retina or optic nerve.
Clinical signs
Typical features include sudden monocular visual loss that resolves completely, often within minutes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially for associated neurologic symptoms or evidence of vascular disease.
When to use this code
Use G45.3 when the provider documents transient monocular blindness or amaurosis fugax as the diagnosis. It is appropriate when the episode is described as temporary and ischemic in nature, even if the exam is normal after symptoms resolve.
Code it from the available documentation, including outpatient notes, emergency visits, or specialist assessments. If the record instead describes persistent vision loss or another confirmed eye disorder, check documentation before assigning this code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic visual impairment, bilateral vision loss, or nonspecific blurred vision. If the episode is better explained by another diagnosis, check documentation and code the confirmed condition instead.
Coding tip
Look for the exact phrase “amaurosis fugax” or clear documentation of transient monocular blindness before assigning G45.3.