ICD-10 Code H21.553 – Recession of chamber angle, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H21.553 – Recession of chamber angle, bilateral
What it is
H21.553 identifies recession of the anterior chamber angle in both eyes, usually from blunt trauma. It describes an anatomic change in the eye’s drainage angle, not glaucoma itself.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Findings may include a widened ciliary body band on gonioscopy and a history of eye injury, with possible later angle-related pressure changes.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly documents bilateral chamber angle recession, often after a traumatic eye exam. It is appropriate even if glaucoma is not yet present, as long as the bilateral finding is confirmed.
If the note only mentions ocular trauma, hyphema, or elevated pressure without documenting angle recession, check documentation before assigning H21.553.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unilateral recession, traumatic glaucoma alone, or nonspecific angle abnormalities. Check documentation if the record does not specify both eyes or does not confirm recession.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and the source of diagnosis; bilateral documentation must be explicit before you report H21.553.