Nutritional optic neuropathy

This code describes optic neuropathy resulting from nutritional deficiencies, typically B vitamins (B1, B2, B12) or folate. It manifests as progressive, painless vision loss, often bilateral, due to damage to the optic nerve fibers.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates optic nerve damage directly attributed to malnutrition or specific vitamin deficiencies. Supporting documentation should include clinical findings of optic neuropathy and evidence of nutritional deficits, such as laboratory results or dietary history.

• Differentiate from toxic optic neuropathies (e.g., H47.02x) which have different etiologies.
• Always code the underlying nutritional deficiency (e.g., E53.8 for other specified B group vitamin deficiency) as a primary or secondary diagnosis.
• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly links the optic neuropathy to a nutritional cause.