ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for visual field defect
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Defect, defective › visual field”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding visual field defect
The ICD-10-CM code for visual field defect is H53.40 (Unspecified visual field defects). The official index lists 8 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on H53.40.
Within H53.4, choose H53.40 (Unspecified visual field defects) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Scotoma involving central area (H53.41), Scotoma of blind spot area (H53.42), Sector or arcuate defects (H53.43), other localized visual field defect (H53.45), Homonymous bilateral field defects (H53.46), Heteronymous bilateral field defects (H53.47) and generalized contraction of visual field (H53.48).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 123 (Neurological Eye Disorders, relative weight 0.822), in MDC 02 (Diseases and Disorders of the Eye), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific visual field defect codes (official index)
- bilateral
- heteronymous H53.47 — Heteronymous bilateral field defects
- homonymous H53.46 — Homonymous bilateral field defects
- generalized contraction H53.48 — Generalized contraction of visual field
- localized
- arcuate H53.43 — Sector or arcuate defects
- scotoma (central area) H53.41 — Scotoma involving central area
- blind spot area H53.42 — Scotoma of blind spot area
- sector H53.43 — Sector or arcuate defects
- specified type NEC H53.45 — Other localized visual field defect
Common questions about visual field defect ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for visual field defect?
- H53.40 — Unspecified visual field defects. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: H53.47, H53.46, H53.48, H53.43 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for generalized contraction visual field defect?
- H53.48 — Generalized contraction of visual field (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is H53.40 billable?
- Yes. H53.40 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can H53.40 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict H53.40 as a principal diagnosis.
Is H53.40 a CC or MCC?
- No. H53.40 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.