Unspecified infantile and juvenile cataract, unspecified eye

This code signifies the presence of a cataract in an infant or juvenile patient where the specific type of cataract is not documented. It indicates an opacification of the lens of the eye occurring in early life, without further detail regarding its morphology or etiology.

Use this code when documentation confirms an infantile or juvenile cataract but lacks specificity regarding the type (e.g., congenital, developmental, traumatic, or metabolic). This code is appropriate when the medical record simply states "infantile cataract" or "juvenile cataract" without additional descriptive terms.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation provides any specific type of infantile or juvenile cataract (e.g., H26.01- for congenital, H26.03- for traumatic).
• Always strive for greater specificity if available in the medical record, querying the provider if necessary.
• This code also indicates an unspecified eye, so ensure laterality is not documented before assigning.