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Official Description

Correction of lid retraction

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67911 pertains to the correction of lid retraction, a condition affecting the upper and lower eyelids. Lid retraction occurs when the eyelids are unable to close completely, leading to exposure of the sclera, which is the white part of the eye. In the case of lower eyelid retraction, this condition is often caused by a relaxation of the support system of the eye, as well as shrinkage of the tissue layers, including skin, muscle, and retractor muscles. This can result from various factors such as aging, thyroid disease, or complications arising from previous surgical procedures like lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Conversely, upper lid retraction typically results in the exposure of the sclera above the cornea and is most frequently associated with thyroid disease. The specific surgical approach for correcting lid retraction is determined by whether the upper or lower eyelid is affected, as well as the underlying cause, the severity of the retraction, and individual patient characteristics. For upper lid retraction, correction may involve a transconjunctival or transcutaneous approach, where Muller's muscle is exposed and excised, and the levator aponeurosis may also be resected. Adjustable sutures are utilized to fine-tune the eyelid position, and in some cases, an autogenous graft from the hard palate or synthetic graft material may be employed to provide support and adjust the eyelid height. In contrast, lower lid retraction correction is performed through a transconjunctival approach, where the support structures of the lower lid may be reconstructed or reinforced. This repair may necessitate skin grafting, the use of another type of autogenous graft, or reinforcement with synthetic materials, followed by careful adjustment of the lower lid height and layered closure of the surgical wound.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The correction of lid retraction is indicated for patients experiencing conditions that lead to the inability to fully close the eyelids, resulting in exposure of the sclera. The specific indications for this procedure include:

  • Lower Eyelid Retraction This condition may arise due to relaxation of the support system of the eye, shrinkage of tissue layers, aging, thyroid disease, or complications from previous lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
  • Upper Eyelid Retraction Typically caused by thyroid disease, this condition results in exposure of the sclera above the cornea.

2. Procedure

The procedure for correcting lid retraction involves several specific steps, which vary depending on whether the upper or lower eyelid is being addressed. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Upper Lid Correction The correction of upper lid retraction is performed using either a transconjunctival or transcutaneous approach. The surgeon begins by exposing Muller's muscle, which is then excised to reduce the retraction. Additionally, the levator aponeurosis may be resected to further assist in correcting the eyelid position. After these adjustments, adjustable sutures are placed to allow for fine-tuning of the eyelid height. In some cases, an autogenous graft is harvested, typically from the hard palate, or synthetic graft material may be utilized to provide additional support to the eyelid and achieve the desired height adjustment.
  • Lower Lid Correction For lower lid retraction, the procedure is conducted via a transconjunctival approach. The surgeon focuses on reconstructing or reinforcing the support structures of the lower lid. This may involve skin grafting or the placement of another type of autogenous graft, as well as the use of synthetic materials for reinforcement. The height of the lower lid is adjusted as necessary to ensure proper alignment and function, followed by the closure of the surgical wound in layers to promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing correction of lid retraction includes monitoring for any complications and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow specific instructions regarding eye care to prevent infection and promote recovery. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the eyelid position and make any necessary adjustments. The expected recovery period may vary based on individual circumstances and the extent of the surgical intervention performed.

Short Descr REVISE EYELID DEFECT
Medium Descr CORRECTION LID RETRACTION
Long Descr Correction of lid retraction
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 2
CCS Clinical Classification 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea
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).
E4 Lower right, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
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).
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)
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.)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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.
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E1 Upper left, eyelid
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
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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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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