ICD-10 Code H46.1 – Retrobulbar neuritis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H46.1 – Retrobulbar neuritis
What it is
H46.1 identifies inflammation of the optic nerve behind the eyeball, often associated with painful vision loss. Use it when the documentation specifically states retrobulbar neuritis.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include decreased visual acuity, pain with eye movement, and reduced color vision. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H46.1 when the provider documents retrobulbar neuritis or optic neuritis localized behind the globe. It may appear in notes describing acute unilateral visual loss with optic nerve inflammation. If the record only says optic neuritis, check documentation for a more specific term.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unspecified optic neuritis or other optic nerve disorders without retrobulbar involvement. Check documentation if the diagnosis is better described by another optic neuropathy code.
Coding tip
Code from the provider’s exact wording; “retrobulbar” matters, so verify the location before assigning H46.1.