ICD-10 Code H44.749 – Retained (nonmagnetic) (old) foreign body in posterior wall of globe, unspecified eye (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H44.749 – Retained (nonmagnetic) (old) foreign body in posterior wall of globe, unspecified eye
What it is
This code identifies an old or retained nonmagnetic foreign body lodged in the posterior wall of the eye globe, with the eye not otherwise specified. Use it when documentation confirms a persistent intraocular foreign body in the back portion of the globe.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a documented history of eye injury, persistent intraocular foreign body, or abnormal ocular examination. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H44.749 when the provider documents a retained, nonmagnetic, or old foreign body in the posterior wall of the globe and does not specify right or left eye. It fits chronic or previously identified intraocular foreign bodies, not acute superficial eye injuries. Check documentation if the record only states “foreign body in eye” without location.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for superficial corneal or conjunctival foreign bodies, or for magnetic foreign bodies. If the note specifies the right or left eye, use the laterality-specific code instead.
Coding tip
Verify that the foreign body is intraocular and posterior globe, and confirm laterality is unspecified before assigning H44.749.