ICD-10 Code H46.3 – Toxic optic neuropathy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H46.3 – Toxic optic neuropathy
What it is
Toxic optic neuropathy is damage to the optic nerve caused by exposure to a toxin, medication, or other harmful substance. It can reduce vision and color perception, and the cause should be documented when known.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include gradual, usually painless visual loss in one or both eyes, often with reduced color vision and central or cecocentral scotomas. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H46.3 when the provider diagnoses optic nerve injury as toxic in origin and links it to an exposure, drug, or chemical. This code fits documented toxic optic neuropathy, including cases where the offending agent is named. If the record only says vision loss without a toxic cause, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, or unspecified vision loss without toxic etiology. If the chart does not clearly support a toxic cause, check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign H46.3 only when the clinician documents toxic optic neuropathy or an equivalent toxic cause affecting the optic nerve.