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Official Description

Repair of iris, ciliary body (as for iridodialysis)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 66680 involves the surgical repair of the iris and ciliary body, particularly in cases of iridodialysis. Iridodialysis is a condition characterized by the separation of the iris root from the ciliary body or scleral spur, leading to the formation of an irregularly shaped pupil, often resembling a D-shape. This surgical intervention is necessary to restore the normal anatomy and function of the eye, as the separation can lead to visual disturbances and other complications. During the procedure, a miotic agent is administered to constrict the pupil, facilitating better access to the affected area. A corneal incision is then made to allow for the lysis of any synechiae, which are adhesions that may restrict the movement of the iris leaflets. The repair process involves meticulous approximation of the edges of the iris to ensure that the pupil is centrally located. If the injury involves the iris sphincter, this area is addressed first to maintain proper pupil function. The repair is completed by suturing the iris, with the needle being passed through a paracentesis tract in the anterior chamber and then through the iris itself, ensuring that both the proximal and distal leaflets of the iris are securely reattached. In cases of iridodialysis, the iris root is reattached to the ciliary body or scleral spur, and the sutures are tied and buried within the anterior chamber to promote healing and minimize complications.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 66680 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Iridodialysis - This condition involves the separation of the iris root from the ciliary body or scleral spur, leading to an irregularly shaped pupil.
  • Injury to the iris or ciliary body - Any trauma that results in damage to these structures may necessitate surgical repair to restore normal function and appearance.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for CPT® Code 66680 involves several critical steps to ensure effective repair of the iris and ciliary body.

  • Step 1: Administration of Miotic Agent - The procedure begins with the administration of a miotic agent to constrict the pupil, which aids in providing better visibility and access to the surgical site.
  • Step 2: Corneal Incision - A corneal incision is made to facilitate access to the anterior chamber of the eye. This incision allows the surgeon to perform necessary manipulations and repairs within the eye.
  • Step 3: Lysis of Synechiae - Any synechiae, or adhesions that may be present, are lysed to fully mobilize the iris leaflets. This step is crucial for restoring normal movement and positioning of the iris.
  • Step 4: Repair of Iris Sphincter (if applicable) - If the injury extends into the iris sphincter, this area is repaired first to ensure proper function of the pupil.
  • Step 5: Approximation of Iris Edges - The edges of the iris are carefully approximated to ensure that the pupil is centrally located, which is essential for visual function.
  • Step 6: Suturing of Iris Injury - The remainder of the iris injury is repaired using sutures. The needle is passed through a paracentesis tract in the anterior chamber and then through the iris, ensuring that both the proximal and distal leaflets of the iris are secured.
  • Step 7: Reattachment of Iris Root (if iridodialysis is present) - In cases of iridodialysis, the iris root is reattached to the ciliary body or scleral spur to restore normal anatomical relationships.
  • Step 8: Tying and Burying Sutures - Finally, the sutures are tied and buried within the anterior chamber to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding, and following up with the ophthalmologist for assessments of visual function and pupil response. Patients may also be prescribed medications, such as anti-inflammatory agents or antibiotics, to aid in the recovery process. It is essential for patients to adhere to follow-up appointments to evaluate the success of the repair and to address any concerns that may arise during the healing period.

Short Descr REPAIR IRIS & CILIARY BODY
Medium Descr REPAIR IRIS CILIARY BODY
Long Descr Repair of iris, ciliary body (as for iridodialysis)
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) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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