CPT® Code 0563T

Evacuation of meibomian glands, using heat delivered through wearable, open-eye eyelid treatment devices and manual gland expression, bilateral

The procedure described by CPT® Code 0563T involves the evacuation of meibomian glands, which are specialized glands located within the eyelids. These glands play a crucial role in maintaining eye health by secreting oils that form a protective layer on the surface of the eye, thereby slowing the evaporation of tears and keeping the eyelids moist. Each eyelid contains a varying number of these glands, with the upper eyelid housing between 25 and 40 glands and the lower eyelid containing 20 to 30 glands. When these glands become blocked, they cease to secrete the necessary oils, leading to a condition known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is a significant contributor to dry eye syndrome, a common condition characterized by discomfort and visual disturbances due to insufficient tear film stability. Additionally, blocked meibomian glands can result in blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids. The evacuation procedure utilizes a combination of heat and manual expression to effectively address these blockages. An anesthetic eye drop is first administered to ensure patient comfort. Following this, a warming device is positioned between the upper eyelid and the cornea to deliver heat to both the inner and outer surfaces of the eyelid, facilitating the melting of the waxy buildup obstructing the glands. Subsequently, the clinician applies gentle manual pressure to the outer eyelid to assist in the removal of the blockage. Throughout the procedure, care is taken to protect the cornea, and the entire process is typically completed in less than 10 minutes.