Low vision, one eye, unspecified eye

This code signifies a significant reduction in visual acuity in a single eye, where the specific eye affected is not documented. It indicates that the patient's vision in one eye is impaired to a degree that it cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatments, but the laterality (right or left) is unknown.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "low vision in one eye" without specifying whether it's the right or left eye. This is appropriate when the provider's assessment confirms low vision in a single eye, but the laterality is not explicitly recorded or is undetermined at the time of coding.

• Avoid using this code if the laterality (right or left eye) is clearly documented; instead, use the more specific H54.51 or H54.52.
• Ensure the medical record supports a diagnosis of low vision, not just refractive error.
• This code should be sequenced as a secondary diagnosis if the underlying cause of the low vision is known and coded separately.