ICD-10 Code H05.53 – Retained (old) foreign body following penetrating wound of bilateral orbits (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H05.53 – Retained (old) foreign body following penetrating wound of bilateral orbits
What it is
This code identifies a retained foreign body in both orbits that remains after a penetrating injury. Use it when the object is old or longstanding, not an acute open-globe or orbital trauma.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a known history of penetrating orbital injury, persistent orbital discomfort, or imaging evidence of a retained object. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H05.53 when the record documents a retained foreign body in both orbits after a prior penetrating wound. It may be supported by operative notes, imaging, or specialist assessment describing the object as old or retained.
Choose this code when the current encounter is for evaluation or follow-up of the retained object, not the initial injury. Check documentation if laterality, chronicity, or the penetrating nature of the wound is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use it for an acute orbital foreign body without documentation that it is retained after a prior penetrating wound. Do not assign it if the injury involves only one orbit or if the site is unspecified.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and the “old” retained nature in the chart before coding.