ICD-10 Code H43.81 – Vitreous Degeneration (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H43.81 – Vitreous degeneration
What it is
Use this code for degenerative changes in the vitreous body of the eye. It refers to age-related or other nontraumatic vitreous alteration that may cause floaters or visual disturbance.
Clinical signs
Common findings include floaters, flashes, or a subjective sense of spots moving in vision. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, and confirm whether the provider documented vitreous degeneration rather than retinal disease.
When to use this code
Assign H43.81 when the record clearly identifies vitreous degeneration as the diagnosis, such as a documented degenerative vitreous change on eye exam. Use it when the provider links the symptoms to vitreous degeneration and does not document a more specific vitreous disorder.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, or posterior vitreous detachment unless the provider specifically documents vitreous degeneration. Check documentation when the note only mentions nonspecific visual complaints.
Coding tip
Code the documented vitreous diagnosis exactly as stated, and query if the note describes floaters or flashes without naming vitreous degeneration.