ICD-10 Code H25.1 – Age-related nuclear cataract (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H25.1 – Age-related nuclear cataract
What it is
H25.1 identifies age-related nuclear cataract, a cataract in the central part of the lens that develops with aging. Use it when documentation specifies nuclear cataract or central lens opacity due to age-related change.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include gradual, painless blurred vision, reduced contrast, and increasing difficulty with glare or night driving. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the documented lens location and laterality.
When to use this code
Use H25.1 when the provider documents an age-related nuclear cataract, nuclear sclerosis, or a central age-related lens opacity. It is appropriate for routine ophthalmology visits, preoperative evaluation, or follow-up when the cataract is the active diagnosis. Check documentation if the record does not clearly identify the cataract type.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for traumatic, congenital, diabetic, or other non-age-related cataracts. If the note describes another cataract subtype or the cause is not age-related, select the more specific documented code.
Coding tip
Confirm the cataract type from the ophthalmology note before coding, because lens opacity codes are subtype-specific.