Total traumatic cataract, unspecified eye

This code signifies a complete opacification of the lens of the eye resulting from a traumatic injury, where the specific eye affected (right or left) is not documented. A total traumatic cataract significantly impairs vision due to the widespread clouding of the lens.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a cataract that is total (affecting the entire lens) and directly caused by trauma, but the laterality of the affected eye is not specified. This typically occurs in emergency department settings or initial consultations where detailed laterality may not yet be determined or recorded.

• Avoid using this code if the laterality (right or left eye) is documented; instead, select the more specific H26.131 or H26.132.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the cataract to a traumatic event, distinguishing it from age-related or other types of cataracts.
• If the cause of the cataract is not trauma, consider codes from other subcategories within H26 (e.g., H26.0- for infantile, juvenile, and pre-senile cataracts).