ICD-10 Code H44.709 – Unspecified retained (old) intraocular foreign body, nonmagnetic, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.709 – Unspecified retained (old) intraocular foreign body, nonmagnetic, unspecified eye
What it is
This code identifies an old, retained foreign body inside the eye that is not magnetic. The eye laterality is not specified in the documentation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have a known history of penetrating eye injury, persistent intraocular foreign body on exam or imaging, or chronic ocular symptoms related to the retained object.
When to use this code
Use H44.709 when the record states a retained intraocular foreign body is old or longstanding, nonmagnetic, and the affected eye is not identified. It also fits when laterality is missing and no more specific code is documented. Check documentation if the injury is current or if the foreign body type is different.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a current or acute intraocular foreign body injury. Also avoid it when the chart specifies a magnetic foreign body or a more specific eye laterality code.
Coding tip
Verify that “old,” “retained,” “nonmagnetic,” and unspecified eye are all documented before assigning H44.709.