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Official Description

Iridoplasty by photocoagulation (1 or more sessions) (eg, for improvement of vision, for widening of anterior chamber angle)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Iridoplasty by photocoagulation, as denoted by CPT® Code 66762, is a specialized ophthalmic procedure aimed at treating conditions such as closed angle glaucoma and plateau iris. This intervention is particularly significant for patients experiencing issues related to the anterior chamber angle of the eye, which can impede the drainage of aqueous humor and lead to increased intraocular pressure. The procedure involves the application of laser technology to the iris, specifically targeting areas of pigmentation located at the periphery. By utilizing laser burns, the physician seeks to induce a contraction of the iris tissue, thereby widening the anterior chamber angle. This widening is crucial for improving the drainage pathways of the aqueous humor, ultimately enhancing the patient's vision and alleviating symptoms associated with elevated intraocular pressure. The procedure may require multiple sessions, depending on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment, and is performed under careful observation to ensure optimal outcomes.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of iridoplasty by photocoagulation is indicated for specific ocular conditions that necessitate intervention to improve drainage and reduce intraocular pressure. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:

  • Closed Angle Glaucoma This condition occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to increased intraocular pressure and potential vision loss.
  • Plateau Iris This anatomical configuration can lead to angle closure, where the peripheral iris is pushed forward, obstructing the drainage of aqueous humor.

2. Procedure

The iridoplasty procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the targeted conditions. The following outlines the procedural steps involved:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is first prepared for the procedure, which includes the administration of eye drops to constrict the pupil. This step is essential as it helps to enhance the visibility of the iris and the surrounding structures during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Positioning and Inspection The patient is then seated at the laser apparatus, where the physician carefully inspects the iris for areas of pigmentation located at the periphery. This inspection is crucial for identifying the optimal sites for laser application.
  • Step 3: Application of Laser Burns Once the appropriate areas are identified, the physician proceeds to place multiple laser burns around the periphery of the iris, specifically targeting the pigmented regions. The application of these laser burns is done with precision, as the physician observes the iris contracting in response to the laser treatment.
  • Step 4: Assessment of Treatment Effectiveness Following the application of the laser burns, the physician examines the anterior chamber angle using a gonioscope. This examination is performed to ensure that the angle has widened sufficiently to allow for improved drainage of aqueous humor and to lower intraocular pressure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the iridoplasty procedure, patients may be monitored for any immediate post-operative effects. It is essential to assess the anterior chamber angle to confirm that it has widened adequately. Patients may experience some transient discomfort or changes in vision, which should be communicated to their healthcare provider. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and to monitor intraocular pressure levels, ensuring that the desired outcomes are achieved and maintained.

Short Descr REVISION OF IRIS
Medium Descr IRIDOPLASTY PHOTOCOAGULATION 1/> SESSIONS
Long Descr Iridoplasty by photocoagulation (1 or more sessions) (eg, for improvement of vision, for widening of anterior chamber angle)
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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4E - Eye procedure - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 20 - Other intraocular therapeutic procedures
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
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.)
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).
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.
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.
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
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2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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