ICD-10 Code H16.242 – Ophthalmia nodosa, left eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.242 – Ophthalmia nodosa, left eye
What it is
H16.242 identifies ophthalmia nodosa affecting the left eye. Use it when documentation shows an inflammatory eye reaction caused by foreign material, such as embedded plant or insect hairs.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include conjunctival or corneal irritation, redness, tearing, pain, photophobia, and a visible foreign body or granulomatous response.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents ophthalmia nodosa in the left eye and specifies laterality. It fits cases where the reaction is limited to the left eye and is not coded more generally. Check documentation if the note only says “eye irritation” or “foreign body.”
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unspecified eye laterality or for routine superficial foreign body injuries without ophthalmia nodosa. Do not assign it when the diagnosis is only suspected or not documented.
Coding tip
Always confirm the provider names ophthalmia nodosa and documents the left eye before assigning H16.242.