Degenerative myopia, unspecified eye

This code signifies a progressive form of myopia characterized by degenerative changes in the posterior segment of the eye, such as chorioretinal atrophy, lacquer cracks, and myopic maculopathy. It leads to significant visual impairment and an increased risk of complications like retinal detachment. This specific code is used when the affected eye is not specified in the documentation.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with degenerative myopia when the medical record does not specify whether the condition affects the right, left, or both eyes. Documentation should clearly indicate "degenerative myopia" or "pathological myopia" and not simply "high myopia" without evidence of degenerative changes.

• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies the affected eye(s); instead, use H44.21 (right eye), H44.22 (left eye), or H44.23 (bilateral).
• Distinguish from high myopia (H52.1x) which does not necessarily involve degenerative changes.
• Code any associated complications, such as retinal detachment (H33.xx) or macular hole (H35.31x), as secondary diagnoses.