ICD-10 Code H18.83 – Recurrent erosion of cornea (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H18.83 – Recurrent erosion of cornea
What it is
H18.83 identifies recurrent erosion of the cornea, a condition where the corneal surface repeatedly breaks down. It usually reflects poor epithelial adhesion and can cause repeated episodes in the same eye.
Clinical signs
Patients may have sudden eye pain, tearing, light sensitivity, foreign-body sensation, and blurred vision, often on waking. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H18.83 when the provider documents recurrent corneal erosions, recurrent epithelial breakdown, or a history of repeated corneal surface sloughing. Code it when the diagnosis is confirmed and not just suspected. Check documentation for laterality if your setting requires it.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a single, acute corneal abrasion without recurrence. Do not assign it when the record only mentions nonspecific eye pain or corneal irritation.
Coding tip
Confirm that the chart clearly states recurrence; one isolated erosion is not enough for this code.