ICD-10 Code H35.373 – Puckering of macula, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.373 – Puckering of macula, bilateral
What it is
This code identifies bilateral macular pucker, also called epiretinal membrane, affecting both eyes. It refers to a thin scar-like membrane on the macula that can distort central vision.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include blurred or distorted central vision, metamorphopsia, and reduced visual acuity. Optical coherence tomography or retinal examination may show a surface membrane with macular wrinkling; clinical features vary, refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H35.373 when the provider documents puckering of the macula in both eyes, including epiretinal membrane or macular pucker bilaterally. Apply it when the diagnosis is confirmed clinically or by retinal imaging and the record clearly states bilateral involvement.
Do not assign it for unilateral macular pucker, nonspecific retinal changes, or vision complaints without a documented diagnosis. If the note only says “macular degeneration” or “retinal disorder,” check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unilateral macular pucker or for other macular diseases such as edema or degeneration. Check documentation if the laterality is missing or if the finding is not specifically an epiretinal membrane.
Coding tip
Confirm both the diagnosis and laterality in the ophthalmology note before assigning H35.373.