ICD-10 Code H18.501 – Unspecified hereditary corneal dystrophies, right eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H18.501 – Unspecified hereditary corneal dystrophies, right eye
What it is
This code identifies a hereditary corneal dystrophy affecting the right eye when the exact subtype is not specified. It indicates a genetic corneal disorder documented in the right eye only.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common corneal dystrophies may show corneal opacity, deposits, or reduced vision, but you should code only what the record confirms for the right eye.
When to use this code
Use H18.501 when the provider documents an inherited corneal dystrophy in the right eye and does not name a more specific type. It also fits cases where the chart says “hereditary corneal dystrophy” without further detail. If both eyes or another eye are involved, check documentation and code the documented laterality.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acquired corneal disease, nonspecific corneal opacity, or hereditary corneal dystrophy documented in the left eye or both eyes. Check documentation if the diagnosis is more specific.
Coding tip
Confirm laterality and whether the dystrophy type is named before assigning this unspecified code.