ICD-10 Code H57.8A3 – Foreign body sensation, bilateral eyes (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H57.8A3 – Foreign body sensation, bilateral eyes
What it is
H57.8A3 identifies a documented sensation of something in both eyes, even when no object is visible. Use it for bilateral eye irritation described as a foreign body sensation, not for confirmed retained debris.
Clinical signs
Patients often report grittiness, scratchiness, or the feeling that something is stuck in both eyes. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for associated redness, tearing, blinking, or surface irritation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents foreign body sensation affecting both eyes and does not identify an actual foreign body. It may fit visits for ocular discomfort, irritation, or suspected surface irritation when bilateral symptoms are recorded. Check documentation if the note is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use H57.8A3 for a confirmed foreign body in the eye or for unilateral symptoms only. It is also not the right code when another specific eye disorder better explains the complaint.
Coding tip
Code the symptom exactly as documented and verify laterality before assigning H57.8A3.