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Official Description

Iridectomy, with corneoscleral or corneal section; with cyclectomy

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 66605 is an iridectomy combined with a cyclectomy, which is a surgical intervention performed on the eye. An iridectomy involves the excision or removal of a small, full-thickness section of the iris, the colored part of the eye that helps regulate the amount of light entering the eye. This procedure is typically indicated for the removal of lesions located on the iris. To perform an iridectomy, the physician applies a local anesthetic to ensure the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the procedure. An incision is made either in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, or at the limbus, which is the border between the cornea and the sclera, the white part of the eye. In conjunction with the iridectomy, a cyclectomy is performed, which involves the removal of a portion of the ciliary body, the structure located just behind the iris. The ciliary body is responsible for producing aqueous humor, the clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye, and it plays a crucial role in the eye's ability to focus on objects at varying distances. The cyclectomy may be necessary to excise a lesion found on the ciliary body itself. The procedure is carefully executed to ensure that a section of the iris is removed along with the underlying ciliary body, allowing for the effective treatment of the lesions while preserving as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 66605 is indicated for specific conditions affecting the iris and ciliary body. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Lesion on the Iris The primary indication for an iridectomy is the presence of a lesion on the iris that requires removal to prevent complications or further issues.
  • Lesion on the Ciliary Body A cyclectomy may be indicated when there is a lesion on the ciliary body that necessitates excision to address potential health concerns.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 66605 involves several critical steps that ensure the effective removal of the targeted lesions while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Application The physician begins by applying a local anesthetic to the eye to ensure that the patient remains comfortable and experiences minimal pain during the procedure. This step is crucial for patient safety and comfort.
  • Step 2: Incision Creation An incision is then made in the cornea or at the limbus of the sclera. This incision provides access to the iris and ciliary body, allowing the physician to perform the necessary excisions. The choice of incision location is determined based on the specific anatomy and the location of the lesion.
  • Step 3: Lesion Excision The physician proceeds to excise the lesion located on the iris, ensuring that a margin of healthy tissue is included in the excision. This step is critical to ensure complete removal of the lesion and to reduce the risk of recurrence.
  • Step 4: Cyclectomy In conjunction with the iridectomy, the physician performs a cyclectomy, which involves the removal of a portion of the ciliary body. This step is essential when a lesion is present on the ciliary body, as it allows for the complete excision of the affected tissue.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the iridectomy with cyclectomy, the patient will require specific post-procedure care to ensure proper healing and recovery. The physician will typically provide instructions regarding the care of the eye, which may include the use of prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities and to protect the eye from potential trauma during the initial recovery period. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the healing process and to assess the success of the procedure. Any signs of complications, such as increased pain, redness, or vision changes, should be reported to the physician immediately for further evaluation.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF IRIS
Medium Descr IRDEC CRNLSCLRL/CRNL SCTJ CYCLECTOMY
Long Descr Iridectomy, with corneoscleral or corneal section; with cyclectomy
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4E - Eye procedure - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 20 - Other intraocular therapeutic procedures
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