Refractive amblyopia, bilateral

This code represents a type of amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," that results from a significant uncorrected refractive error (e.g., high astigmatism, hyperopia, or myopia) that is present in both eyes. The brain suppresses the visual input from both eyes due to the blurry images, leading to reduced visual acuity that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses alone.

This code is appropriate when documentation indicates bilateral amblyopia directly attributable to a refractive error that was not adequately corrected during the critical period of visual development. Clinicians will typically note reduced best-corrected visual acuity in both eyes despite appropriate optical correction, along with a history of significant uncorrected refractive error.

• Ensure documentation specifies "bilateral" involvement and clearly links the amblyopia to a refractive error.
• Do not confuse with strabismic amblyopia (H53.01-) or amblyopia ex anopsia (H53.03-).
• Code any underlying refractive error (e.g., H52.0- for hyperopia, H52.1- for myopia, H52.2- for astigmatism) in addition to this amblyopia code.