Total (external) ophthalmoplegia, unspecified eye

This code signifies a complete paralysis of the extraocular muscles, affecting all eye movements, without specifying the underlying cause or the laterality. It indicates a severe impairment where the eye cannot move in any direction due to external muscle dysfunction.

Use this code when the medical record documents total external ophthalmoplegia but does not specify whether it affects the right, left, or both eyes. This code is appropriate when the physician's documentation clearly states "total ophthalmoplegia" without further detail on laterality or etiology.

• Only use this code when laterality is truly unspecified; otherwise, use a more specific code (H49.31, H49.32, H49.33).
• Always look for documentation of the underlying cause (e.g., neurological disorder, trauma) to code it first, if known.
• Avoid using this code if the documentation describes only partial ophthalmoplegia or paresis; those conditions have different codes.