ICD-10 Code H35.5 – Hereditary retinal dystrophy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H35.5 – Hereditary retinal dystrophy
What it is
H35.5 identifies inherited disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the retina. Use it when documentation states hereditary retinal dystrophy or a similar inherited retinal degeneration.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include night blindness, reduced peripheral vision, decreased visual acuity, or abnormal retinal examination consistent with inherited retinal disease.
When to use this code
Use H35.5 when the provider documents a hereditary retinal dystrophy as the diagnosis, including inherited retinal degeneration without a more specific code. It may also apply when the chart names a familial dystrophy affecting the retina. If the record identifies a specific subtype, code that condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonhereditary retinal disease, acquired macular disorders, or retinal detachment. If documentation is vague or conflicting, check documentation before assigning H35.5.
Coding tip
Code the most specific inherited retinal diagnosis documented; use H35.5 only when the record supports hereditary retinal dystrophy without a more specific option.