ICD-10 Code H18.522 – Epithelial (juvenile) corneal dystrophy, left eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H18.522 – Epithelial (juvenile) corneal dystrophy, left eye
What it is
This code identifies epithelial corneal dystrophy affecting the left eye. It is a corneal disorder that involves abnormal epithelial changes, usually documented as a dystrophy rather than an acute injury or infection.
Clinical signs
Clinical features may include recurrent corneal surface irregularity, blurred vision, foreign-body sensation, or recurrent erosions. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H18.522 when the provider documents epithelial (juvenile) corneal dystrophy in the left eye specifically. You may also use it when the record clearly describes a unilateral left corneal dystrophy with epithelial involvement and no more specific diagnosis is given.
If the note only says corneal dystrophy without laterality, check documentation before coding. Code the documented eye, not both eyes, unless bilateral disease is explicitly stated.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for corneal abrasion, keratitis, or infectious corneal disease. Do not assign it when the chart does not support left-eye involvement or when a different corneal dystrophy subtype is documented.
Coding tip
Verify both the dystrophy type and laterality in the ophthalmology note before selecting H18.522.