ICD-10 Code H44.21 – Degenerative myopia, right eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.21 – Degenerative myopia, right eye
What it is
This code identifies degenerative myopia limited to the right eye. It refers to pathologic, progressive nearsightedness with structural eye changes rather than simple refractive error.
Clinical signs
Findings may include high myopia, elongated globe, and retinal or choroidal changes consistent with pathologic myopia. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H44.21 when the provider documents degenerative or pathologic myopia in the right eye. Apply it when the record clearly identifies the right eye as affected and does not describe a different retinal or choroidal disorder as the primary diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for simple myopia or unspecified laterality. Check documentation if the note describes bilateral disease or another ocular complication that requires a different code.
Coding tip
Confirm laterality and the exact wording “degenerative” or “pathologic” before assigning H44.21.