ICD-10 Code H18.12 – Bullous keratopathy, left eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H18.12 – Bullous keratopathy, left eye
What it is
Bullous keratopathy, left eye means the cornea in the left eye is swollen and develops painful fluid-filled blisters. It reflects corneal endothelial failure or damage affecting that eye.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include corneal edema, epithelial bullae, blurred vision, and eye discomfort or pain. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H18.12 when the provider documents bullous keratopathy limited to the left eye. This may follow corneal surgery, trauma, or other causes of endothelial dysfunction, but the diagnosis must be recorded for the left eye specifically.
Choose this code when laterality is clear in the note and the condition is the active reason for care. Check documentation if the record only mentions corneal edema without bullous keratopathy.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for bullous keratopathy of the right eye, bilateral disease, or unspecified laterality. Do not assign it when the chart only describes nonspecific corneal swelling; check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm laterality in the assessment, not just the exam, before assigning H18.12.