H49 – Paralytic strabismus

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation and refraction

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code H49

Code: H49 (claims format: H49)
Description: Paralytic strabismus
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 7. Diseases of the eye and adnexa (H00-H59)
Block: H49-H52 Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation and refraction

Billable codes under H49

H49 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

H49.0 – Third [oculomotor] nerve palsyHeader (more codes below)
H49.1 – Fourth [trochlear] nerve palsyHeader (more codes below)
H49.2 – Sixth [abducent] nerve palsyHeader (more codes below)
H49.3 – Total (external) ophthalmoplegiaHeader (more codes below)
H49.4 – Progressive external ophthalmoplegiaHeader (more codes below)
H49.8 – Other paralytic strabismusHeader (more codes below)
H49.9 – Unspecified paralytic strabismusBillable

Notes for H49

Excludes2 (not included here):

internal ophthalmoplegia (H52.51-)
internuclear ophthalmoplegia (H51.2-)
progressive supranuclear ophthalmoplegia (G23.1)

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Block H49-H52

Excludes2 (not included here):

nystagmus and other irregular eye movements (H55)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code H49?

H49 is the ICD-10-CM code for paralytic strabismus, in the block H49-H52 (Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation and refraction).

Is H49 a billable code?

No. H49 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.