ICD-10 Code H05.5 – Retained (old) foreign body following penetrating wound of orbit (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H05.5 – Retained (old) foreign body following penetrating wound of orbit
What it is
H05.5 identifies a retained foreign body in the orbit that remains after a prior penetrating injury. Use it when documentation shows an old, embedded object in the eye socket rather than an acute injury.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include a history of penetrating orbital trauma, persistent discomfort, swelling, or limited eye movement if the retained object affects surrounding structures.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly states a foreign body is still present in the orbit from an earlier penetrating wound. It fits follow-up care, imaging findings, or specialist notes describing a retained orbital fragment. Check documentation if the injury is current or the object is elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use H05.5 for a fresh penetrating orbital injury without a retained object. It is also wrong for foreign bodies in the cornea, conjunctiva, or other eye structures.
Coding tip
Confirm both “retained” and “orbit” in the note before assigning H05.5.