CPT® Code 66170

The CPT® Code 66170 refers to the procedure known as fistulization of the sclera for glaucoma, specifically a trabeculectomy performed ab externo in the absence of previous surgery. This surgical intervention is designed to alleviate intraocular pressure in patients suffering from glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. During this procedure, the physician creates a new drainage pathway for aqueous humor, the fluid produced in the eye, which is essential for maintaining intraocular pressure. The creation of this drainage tube involves making an incision through the sclera, the white outer layer of the eyeball, allowing for improved fluid drainage from the anterior chamber of the eye. By removing a portion of the tissue that connects the iris to the surrounding fibrous membrane, the surgeon facilitates the flow of fluid into the space between the fibrous membrane and other ocular structures. This procedure is particularly indicated for patients who have not undergone previous eye surgeries, as it aims to establish a new drainage route to effectively manage the fluid dynamics within the eye and reduce the risk of further complications associated with glaucoma.