ICD-10 Code H35.012 – Changes in retinal vascular appearance, left eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.012 – Changes in retinal vascular appearance, left eye
What it is
This code identifies abnormal retinal blood vessel appearance limited to the left eye. Use it when documentation describes retinal vascular changes without a more specific retinal diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Findings may include visible retinal vessel tortuosity, narrowing, dilation, or other vascular irregularity on eye examination. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H35.012 when the provider documents changes in retinal vascular appearance in the left eye and does not name a more specific retinal disorder. It may appear in ophthalmology notes, retinal imaging reports, or follow-up assessments. Check documentation if the laterality or diagnosis is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for retinal vascular changes in the right eye, bilateral findings, or a separately documented retinal disease with its own code. Do not assign it when the record only says “retinal changes” without vascular detail.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and the exact wording in the ophthalmology note before coding.