ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for external ophthalmoplegia
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Ophthalmoplegia › external”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding external ophthalmoplegia
The ICD-10-CM code for external ophthalmoplegia is H49.88 (Other paralytic strabismus). The official index lists 2 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on H49.88.
Within H49.8, choose H49.88 (Other paralytic strabismus) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Kearns-Sayre syndrome (H49.81).
To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: H49.881 (right eye), H49.882 (left eye), H49.883 (bilateral) and H49.889 (unspecified eye).
It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.
More specific external ophthalmoplegia codes (official index)
Common questions about external ophthalmoplegia ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for external ophthalmoplegia?
- H49.88 — Other paralytic strabismus (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: H49.4, H49.3.
What is the ICD-10 code for progressive external ophthalmoplegia?
- H49.4 — Progressive external ophthalmoplegia (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for total external ophthalmoplegia?
- H49.3 — Total (external) ophthalmoplegia (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is H49.88 billable?
- No. H49.88 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.