CPT® Code 65730

Keratoplasty, specifically the procedure denoted by CPT® Code 65730, refers to a penetrating corneal transplant that is performed to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea. This full-thickness transplant is indicated for various ocular conditions, including viral keratitis, keratoconus, Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, and corneal scarring or dystrophy resulting from trauma or keratitis. Prior to the surgical intervention, the patient's eyes are miosed, which means that the pupils are constricted to minimize the risk of lens damage and to prevent the development of cataracts during the procedure. The surgical technique involves trephination, where the recipient's cornea is cut using a manual, motorized, or vacuum trephine. Initially, a partial-thickness trephination is performed to avoid rapid decompression of the eye, followed by a full-thickness cut to excise the damaged cornea. The size of the donor graft is carefully determined, with the donor corneoscleral graft button being cut to be 0.5 mm larger than the recipient bed, ensuring a proper fit. The donor button is then secured in place using either radially interrupted sutures at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions or a single continuous running suture. Finally, to restore the volume in the anterior chamber, a balanced salt solution is injected, completing the procedure.