ICD-10 Code H47.21 – Primary optic atrophy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H47.21 – Primary optic atrophy
What it is
Primary optic atrophy means permanent damage and thinning of the optic nerve without a preceding visible swelling phase. It usually reflects a chronic optic neuropathy that reduces vision.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include reduced visual acuity, color vision loss, and optic disc pallor on eye examination. Visual field defects may be present; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H47.21 when the provider documents primary optic atrophy or primary optic nerve pallor as the diagnosis. Code it when the record supports optic nerve degeneration and does not describe a secondary cause, such as prior papilledema or inflammation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for secondary optic atrophy or optic disc pallor clearly linked to another condition. Check documentation if the cause is traumatic, inflammatory, compressive, or otherwise specified.
Coding tip
Confirm that “primary” is documented; if the etiology is stated, code the more specific diagnosis instead.