ICD-10 Code H16.13 – Photokeratitis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.13 – Photokeratitis
What it is
Photokeratitis is an acute injury to the cornea caused by ultraviolet light exposure. It is sometimes called “snow blindness” and usually follows intense sun, welding arc, or similar UV exposure.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include eye pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and a gritty or foreign-body sensation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality and severity.
When to use this code
Use H16.13 when the provider documents photokeratitis or UV keratitis as the diagnosis. Apply it for corneal irritation or injury clearly linked to ultraviolet exposure. Check documentation if the record only states eye irritation without a confirmed cause.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chemical burns, infectious keratitis, or nonspecific conjunctivitis. If the note describes a different corneal disorder or an uncertain eye complaint, check documentation.
Coding tip
Capture the exposure source, such as welding or sunlight, because it supports the diagnosis and helps distinguish photokeratitis from other eye conditions.