ICD-10 Code H16.133 – Photokeratitis, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.133 – Photokeratitis, bilateral
What it is
Photokeratitis, bilateral is an acute sunburn-like injury of both corneas caused by intense ultraviolet exposure. It is sometimes called “welder’s flash” or “snow blindness” when related to the exposure source.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include eye pain, tearing, redness, light sensitivity, and a gritty or foreign-body sensation in both eyes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for corneal epithelial injury or confirmed ultraviolet exposure.
When to use this code
Use H16.133 when the provider documents photokeratitis affecting both eyes, with or without a specified UV cause. It fits acute corneal injury from welding arcs, sunlight reflection, tanning lamps, or other ultraviolet sources. Code the bilateral diagnosis only when both eyes are involved.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic keratitis, infectious keratitis, or corneal abrasion without photokeratitis. If the record does not clearly state bilateral involvement, check documentation before assigning the bilateral code.
Coding tip
Confirm the exposure source and laterality in the note before coding, and query if the record only says “eye pain after UV exposure.”