ICD-10 Code H16.312 – Corneal abscess, left eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H16.312 – Corneal abscess, left eye
What it is
H16.312 identifies a corneal abscess in the left eye, meaning a localized infection within the cornea that has formed a pus-filled lesion. Use this code when documentation clearly specifies the left eye.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful red eye, corneal opacity or infiltrate, tearing, and reduced vision. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality and whether the lesion is described as an abscess.
When to use this code
Use H16.312 when the provider documents a corneal abscess affecting only the left eye. It is appropriate when the note explicitly names a corneal abscess, corneal suppuration, or similar wording tied to the left eye. Check documentation if the record instead describes ulceration, keratitis, or an unspecified eye.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for corneal disease without abscess formation or when laterality is not documented. Do not assume it applies to the right eye, both eyes, or a generic corneal infection.
Coding tip
Code laterality exactly as documented, and query the provider if the record does not clearly distinguish abscess from ulcer or keratitis.