ICD-10 Code H59.01 – Keratopathy (bullous aphakic) following cataract surgery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H59.01 – Keratopathy (bullous aphakic) following cataract surgery
What it is
This code identifies corneal edema with bullous changes that develops after cataract surgery in an eye without a lens. Use it when the record specifically links the keratopathy to prior cataract surgery.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include corneal swelling, epithelial bullae, blurred vision, pain, and light sensitivity. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the postoperative aphakic cataract-surgery context.
When to use this code
Use H59.01 when the provider documents bullous aphakic keratopathy as a postoperative complication of cataract surgery. The chart should show the condition is related to the surgery, not just a general corneal disorder.
If the note only says corneal edema, aphakia, or postoperative eye pain without the specific diagnosis, check documentation before coding. Code the documented complication, and avoid assuming causation from the surgery alone.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for keratopathy unrelated to cataract surgery or for non-bullous corneal disease. Do not use it when the record does not identify aphakia or a postoperative relationship; check documentation.
Coding tip
Look for explicit wording such as “following cataract surgery” and “bullous aphakic keratopathy” before assigning H59.01.