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Official Description

Ciliary body destruction; cyclophotocoagulation, transscleral

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The ciliary body is an essential structure located just behind the iris of the eye. It plays a crucial role in the production of aqueous humor, the clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye, and is also involved in the process of accommodation, which allows the eye to focus on objects at varying distances. Ciliary body destruction is a medical procedure performed primarily to treat glaucoma, particularly in cases where the condition has not responded adequately to medication or less invasive surgical interventions aimed at improving fluid outflow. The procedure aims to reduce the production of aqueous humor by partially destroying the ciliary body, which in turn lowers intraocular pressure, a critical factor in managing glaucoma. Cyclophotocoagulation, specifically through a transscleral approach, is one method used for ciliary body destruction. This technique involves the application of laser energy to the ciliary body without making any incisions, thereby minimizing trauma to the eye. A local periocular anesthetic is typically administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. The use of a lid speculum helps to keep the eyelids open, allowing the physician to position a laser probe accurately over the ciliary body. The laser energy penetrates through the sclera, targeting the ciliary body to achieve the desired destruction while potentially affecting surrounding tissues. In cases where the eye has better visual potential, an alternative method known as endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) may be employed. This technique involves the use of a laser probe inserted through a small incision, allowing for more precise targeting of the ciliary processes while preserving some of the ciliary body to maintain aqueous production. Both procedures aim to effectively manage intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma, tailoring the approach based on the visual potential of the eye.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of ciliary body destruction via cyclophotocoagulation is indicated for the treatment of glaucoma, particularly in the following scenarios:

  • Uncontrolled Glaucoma Patients with glaucoma that has not responded to medication or conservative surgical procedures aimed at improving aqueous humor outflow.
  • Limited Visual Potential Eyes with little visual potential where the goal is to reduce intraocular pressure rather than preserve vision.
  • Severe Intraocular Pressure Cases where intraocular pressure remains high despite other treatment options, necessitating a more aggressive approach to management.

2. Procedure

The procedure of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of the ciliary body:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration A local periocular anesthetic is administered to numb the area around the eye, ensuring patient comfort throughout the procedure.
  • Step 2: Lid Speculum Placement A lid speculum is inserted to hold the eyelids open, providing the surgeon with unobstructed access to the eye for the procedure.
  • Step 3: Laser Probe Positioning The laser probe is carefully positioned over the ciliary body, which is located behind the sclera, ensuring accurate targeting for the treatment.
  • Step 4: Laser Application The laser energy is delivered through the sclera to the ciliary body, resulting in partial destruction of the ciliary body tissue. This step is crucial for reducing the inflow of aqueous humor and subsequently lowering intraocular pressure.
  • Step 5: Monitoring and Assessment Throughout the procedure, the surgeon monitors the effects of the laser on the ciliary body, ensuring that the treatment is effective while being cautious of potential damage to adjacent tissues.

3. Post-Procedure

After the cyclophotocoagulation procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, which is typically managed with prescribed analgesics. It is essential to monitor the eye for any signs of complications, such as excessive inflammation or fluid leakage. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess intraocular pressure and overall eye health. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and to adhere to any prescribed post-operative care instructions to promote healing and ensure the best possible outcomes.

Short Descr CILIARY TRANSSLERAL THERAPY
Medium Descr CILIARY BODY DSTRJ CYCLOPHOTOCOAG TRANSSCERAL
Long Descr Ciliary body destruction; cyclophotocoagulation, transscleral
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 14 - Glaucoma procedures
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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).
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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.)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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.
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
73 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
TL Early intervention/individualized family service plan (ifsp)
UA Medicaid level of care 10, as defined by each state
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
Date
Action
Notes
2005-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
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