Degeneration of pupillary margin, unspecified eye

This code describes a non-specific deterioration or breakdown of the pupillary margin, the inner edge of the iris that forms the pupil. It indicates an age-related or pathological change to this structure without further specification of the cause or type of degeneration.

Use this code when documentation indicates degeneration of the pupillary margin but lacks specificity regarding the affected eye (e.g., "degeneration of pupillary margin, bilateral" or "degeneration of pupillary margin, eye not specified"). This code is appropriate when the physician notes this finding without further detail on the specific type or etiology of the degeneration.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies the affected eye (e.g., right, left, or bilateral); instead, use the more specific codes H21.241, H21.242, or H21.243.
• Ensure the medical record clearly states "degeneration of pupillary margin" or a similar phrase.
• Do not confuse this with other iris degenerations, such as essential iris atrophy (H21.21-) or iris atrophy (H21.22-), unless the documentation specifically points to the pupillary margin.