Ocular hypertension, unspecified eye

This code represents elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) without optic nerve damage or visual field loss, indicating a risk factor for glaucoma. It signifies a state where the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal, but the characteristic signs of glaucoma have not yet developed.

Use this code when documentation specifies ocular hypertension without laterality or when the affected eye is not specified. It is appropriate for patients undergoing screening or monitoring for elevated IOP who do not yet meet the diagnostic criteria for glaucoma. Supporting documentation should clearly state "ocular hypertension" and lack further specificity regarding the affected eye.

• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies a particular eye (e.g., right, left, bilateral); instead, use the more specific H40.051, H40.052, or H40.053.
• This code is distinct from glaucoma codes (H40.10-H40.9) as it indicates the absence of optic nerve damage.
• Always query the provider for laterality if "ocular hypertension" is documented without specifying the affected eye.