Legal blindness, as defined in U.S.A.

This code signifies legal blindness as defined by the U.S. Social Security Administration. It indicates a severe visual impairment where central visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction, or a visual field defect where the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.

Use this code when a patient meets the U.S. criteria for legal blindness, typically documented by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. This diagnosis is often relevant for disability claims, low vision services, or when assessing eligibility for certain benefits. Documentation should clearly state the visual acuity and/or visual field measurements confirming the legal blindness definition.

• Do not use this code for general severe vision impairment that does not meet the specific U.S. legal blindness criteria.
• Always ensure the medical record explicitly states "legal blindness" or provides the specific visual acuity/field measurements that meet the definition.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when the legal blindness is the main reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it is a significant co-morbidity.