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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code H54

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H54

Blindness and low vision

ICD-10-CM Code:
H54
ICD-10 Code for:
Blindness and low vision
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

H54 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of blindness and low vision. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Blindness and low vision

Non-specific codes like H54 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for blindness and low vision:

  • H54.0 for Blindness, both eyes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.0X for Blindness, both eyes, different category levels - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.1 for Blindness, one eye, low vision other eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.10 for Blindness, one eye, low vision other eye, unspecified eyes - BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.11 for Blindness, right eye, low vision left eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.12 for Blindness, left eye, low vision right eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.2 for Low vision, both eyes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.2X for Low vision, both eyes, different category levels - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.3 for Unqualified visual loss, both eyes - BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.4 for Blindness, one eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.40 for Blindness, one eye, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.41 for Blindness, right eye, normal vision left eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.42 for Blindness, left eye, normal vision right eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.5 for Low vision, one eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.50 for Low vision, one eye, unspecified eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.51 for Low vision, right eye, normal vision left eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.52 for Low vision, left eye, normal vision right eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H54.6 for Unqualified visual loss, one eye - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.60 for Unqualified visual loss, one eye, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.61 for Unqualified visual loss, right eye, normal vision left eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.62 for Unqualified visual loss, left eye, normal vision right eye - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.7 for Unspecified visual loss - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H54.8 for Legal blindness, as defined in USA - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the eye and adnexa
    H00–H59
    • Visual disturbances and blindness
      H53-H54
      • Blindness and low vision
        H54

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Code First

Code First
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
  • any associated underlying cause of the blindness

Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • For definition of visual impairment categories see table below

Patient Education


Vision Impairment and Blindness

What is vision impairment?

Vision impairment is the loss of vision. It includes blindness, which means that you have lost all or most of your sight. It also includes low vision, which means you have some vision, but the vision loss makes it hard to do everyday activities. You may have trouble reading, shopping, cooking, writing, and watching TV. Low vision can't be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery.

What causes vision impairment?

Aging doesn't cause vision loss on its own. But many diseases that are more common in older adults can cause it. The leading causes of low vision and blindness in the United States are age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Other eye disorders, eye injuries, and birth defects can also cause vision loss.

How is vision impairment diagnosed?

Vision impairment is diagnosed with a dilated eye exam. Early warning signs of a vision problem can include not being able to see well enough to:

  • Do everyday tasks like reading and driving
  • Recognize people's faces
  • Tell the difference between colors
  • See the television or computer screen clearly

You can have these symptoms even though you are wearing glasses or contacts.

What are the types of low vision?

There are several types of low vision. Which type you have depends on the condition that caused your low vision.

Common types of low vision include:

  • Central vision loss (not being able to see things in the center of your vision)
  • Peripheral (side) vision loss (not being able to see things out of the corners of your eyes)
  • Night blindness (not being able to see in low light)
  • Blurry or hazy vision

What are the treatments for low vision?

Low vision is permanent. Glasses, medicine, and surgery can't cure low vision. But sometimes they can improve your vision, help you do everyday activities more easily, or keep your remaining vision.

Your treatment options will depend on the condition that caused your low vision. Ask your eye doctor which treatments might help you. They may recommend vision aids or vision rehabilitation, which might make everyday activities easier.

Vision rehabilitation teaches you how to live with your vision loss. It may include:

  • Showing you how to use a magnifying device or screen readers for reading
  • Helping you set up your home so you can move around more easily
  • Employment and job training
  • Assistive devices, like lighting and reading stands

Your provider may suggest other resources, such as transportation and household services, to help you cope with your vision loss.

How can I make the most of my remaining sight?

The sooner vision loss or eye disease is found and treated, the greater your chances of keeping your remaining vision. Whatever the cause, lost vision cannot be restored. But it can be managed. A loss of vision means you may have to reorganize your life and learn new ways of doing things. Your provider may make suggestions to help make life easier. These may include:

If you have some vision:

  • Visual aids such as magnifiers
  • Telescopic glasses or monoculars for seeing distance
  • Large print books
  • Clocks with larger numbers
  • Brighter lights
  • Anti-glare sunglasses or glare shields

If you have no vision (blindness):

  • Devices like text-reading software and braille books

Can vision impairment be prevented?

You can help take care of your vision by:

  • Having regular comprehensive eye exams by an eye care professional
  • Wearing sunglasses and protective eyewear to protect your eyes
  • Making lifestyle changes to lower your risk of health conditions that can cause vision problems:
    • Getting regular physical activity
    • Staying at a healthy weight
    • Quitting smoking (or not starting)
    • Eating a healthy diet

NIH: National Eye Institute


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
  • FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.