What does ICD-10 code H02.81 mean?

ICD-10 code H02.81 is the standardized code used for retained foreign body in eyelid in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code H02.81 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code H02.81 when recording retained foreign body in eyelid in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code H02.81 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code H02.81: Retained foreign body in eyelid

Name: ICD-10 Code H02.81: Retained foreign body in eyelid
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:07:42.433Z

H02.81 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Retained foreign body in eyelid. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00-H59).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00-H59).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents retained foreign body in eyelid in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

7Diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00-H59)

block

H00-H05Disorders of eyelid, lacrimal system and orbit

Official coding notes

Applicable to

code to identify the type of retained foreign body (Z18.-)

Excludes1 (do not code together)

laceration of eyelid with foreign body (S01.12-)
retained intraocular foreign body (H44.6-, H44.7-)
superficial foreign body of eyelid and periocular area (S00.25-)

Use additional code

code to identify the type of retained foreign body (Z18.-)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

Ophthalmologist

Sibling codes

H02.82Cysts of eyelid H02.83Dermatochalasis of eyelid H02.84Edema of eyelid H02.85Elephantiasis of eyelid H02.86Hypertrichosis of eyelid H02.87Vascular anomalies of eyelid H02.88Meibomian gland dysfunction of eyelid H02.89Other specified disorders of eyelidbillable

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Retained foreign body in eyelid

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.