Primary optic atrophy, unspecified eye

This code signifies the degeneration of the optic nerve due to primary causes, leading to impaired visual function. It indicates that the specific etiology of the optic nerve damage is not identified, and the affected eye is not specified. This condition results in a reduction of nerve fibers transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.

Use this code when documentation clearly states "primary optic atrophy" without specifying the underlying cause (e.g., hereditary, idiopathic) or the affected eye. This is appropriate when the physician has diagnosed optic atrophy but further investigation into the etiology is pending or inconclusive, and laterality is not documented.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific cause of optic atrophy (e.g., glaucoma, ischemic optic neuropathy) is documented; instead, code the specific etiology.
• Query the physician for laterality (right, left, bilateral) if not documented, as more specific codes exist for specified eyes.
• Do not confuse with secondary optic atrophy, which has a distinct underlying cause that should be coded first.