Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways (H46-H47) ICD-10-CM

About the H46–H47 Code Range

ICD-10 codes H46-H47 are used to classify disorders affecting the optic nerve and visual pathways, including conditions like optic neuritis, optic neuropathies, ischemic injuries, and visual pathway disorders. These codes help specify the type, location, and cause of optic nerve and visual pathway impairments.

This range covers a variety of optic nerve disorders such as optic neuritis (H46), which includes optic papillitis and retrobulbar neuritis, both inflammatory conditions sometimes called neuritis of the optic nerve. Nutritional and toxic optic neuropathies are also included, referring to damage caused by vitamin deficiencies or toxin exposure. The codes for ischemic optic neuropathy (H47.01-H47.019) capture optic nerve damage due to inadequate blood flow, sometimes referred to as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Other codes define conditions like hemorrhage in the optic nerve sheath, congenital optic nerve hypoplasia, and various forms of optic atrophy, including hereditary and glaucomatous types. Disorders of the optic chiasm and other visual pathways, as well as cortical blindness and related visual cortex disorders, are classified by specific H47 codes. The range comprehensively categorizes these eye and neurological conditions, helping clinicians and coders accurately describe the origin, affected eye(s), and underlying causes such as inflammation, vascular issues, neoplasms, or toxins.