Ophthalmology Surgery Common CPT

Here are some of the most commonly used ophthalmic surgery CPT codes, with plain‑language meanings and brief examples. Always verify payer‑specific rules and edits.

😬cataracts surgery codes

• 66984 - Routine cataract extraction with IOL

  • Meaning: Standard phaco/extracapsular cataract removal with intraocular lens, one stage, no unusual complexity.

  • Example: 75‑year‑old with age‑related nuclear cataract having routine phaco with posterior chamber IOL in the right eye.

• 66982 - Complex cataract extraction with IOL

  • Meaning: Cataract removal with IOL when “extra” work or devices are needed (e.g., pupillary expansion rings, capsular tension ring, very dense cataract).

  • Example: Small pupil requiring iris expansion device plus phaco and IOL in a pseudoexfoliation patient.

(These are among the highest‑volume surgical codes in Ophthalmology.)

👁️Glaucoma surgery and laser

• 66170 - trabeculectomy, initial surgery

  • Meaning: Creation of a new drainage fistula (filtering bleb) to lower intraocular pressure.

  • Example: Open‑angle glaucoma uncontrolled on maximum meds undergoing first trabeculectomy -os.

• 66172 - trabeculectomy with previous scarring

  • Meaning: Trabeculectomy in an eye with prior surgery or scarring, typically more complex. ​

  • Example: Repeat trabeculectomy after failed prior filter.

• 65855 - Laser trabeculoplasty

  • Meaning: Laser treatment to the trabecular meshwork to improve aqueous outflow (e.g., SLT/ALT). ​

  • Example: SLT for primary open‑angle glaucoma with inadequate pressure control on drops.

• 66761 - Peripheral iridotomy (laser)

  • Meaning: Laser opening in peripheral iris to relieve pupillary block (often for angle‑closure prevention/treatment). ​

  • Example: Bilateral YAG PI in narrow‑angle glaucoma.

👓Retina and Intravitreal procedures

• 67028 - Intravitreal injection of pharmacologic agent

  • Meaning: Injection of anti‑VEGF or steroid into the vitreous cavity, per session.

  • Example: Monthly intravitreal aflibercept for wet AMD OD.

• 67105 - Repair of retinal detachment, scleral buckle

  • Meaning: Retinal detachment repair using scleral buckling techniques. ​

  • Example: Primary rhegmatogenous RD repaired with buckle.

• 67210 - Destruction of localized retinal lesion, photocoagulation

  • Meaning: Focal retinal laser (e.g., for small peripheral tears).​

  • Example: Argon laser to barricade a retinal tear.

• 67228 - Treatment of extensive/progressive retinopathy (panretinal photocoagulation)

  • Meaning: PRP for proliferative disease such as PDR. ​

  • Example: PRP for proliferative diabetic retinopathy OU.

🤓Cornea and foreign‑body procedures

• 65220 - Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, without slit lamp

• 65222 - Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, with slit lamp

  • Meaning: Office‑based corneal FB removal, distinguished by use of slit lamp. ​

  • Example: Metal corneal FB removed at slit lamp in ER or clinic (65222).

• 65435 - Removal of corneal epithelium

  • Meaning: Mechanical/chemical removal of corneal epithelium (e.g., for recurrent erosion). ​

  • Example: debridement for recurrent corneal erosion.

• 65430 - Scraping of cornea for smear/culture

  • Meaning: Diagnostic scraping for infectious keratitis workup. ​

  • Example: Corneal scraping for culture in suspected bacterial ulcer.

😎Ocular adnexa and minor lid procedures

• 67820 - Correction of trichiasis; epilation by forceps only

  • Meaning: Removal of misdirected lashes without destroying follicles.​

  • Example: Simple in‑office lash epilation for symptomatic trichiasis.

(Other high‑volume adnexal codes include chalazion excision and lid lesion excision; specific codes depend on size and location, but 67820 is a classic frequent minor procedure code.)