ICD-10 Code H53.469 – Homonymous Bilateral Field Defects, Unspecified Side (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H53.469 – Homonymous bilateral field defects, unspecified side
What it is
This code identifies a homonymous visual field defect affecting the same side of the visual field in both eyes, but the side is not documented. Use it when the record confirms the defect and laterality is unspecified.
Clinical signs
Patients may report missing vision on one side of their visual field, bumping into objects, or difficulty reading. Visual field testing typically shows a congruent defect in both eyes; check documentation for the exact pattern.
When to use this code
Use H53.469 when the clinician documents a homonymous bilateral field defect but does not specify right or left. It also fits when the visual field loss is confirmed clinically or by perimetry, yet laterality remains unclear in the note. If the record later specifies the side, code that more precise option instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for monocular vision loss, generalized low vision, or nonspecific visual disturbance without a documented field defect. If the documentation describes a different visual pathway disorder, check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign the unspecified code only when the side is truly not documented; otherwise, code the documented laterality.