CPT® Code 66600

The procedure described by CPT® Code 66600 is an iridectomy, which involves the surgical removal of a small, full-thickness section of the iris, the colored part of the eye. This procedure is specifically performed for the removal of a lesion located on the iris. To begin the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure that the patient does not experience pain during the operation. The surgeon then makes an incision either in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, or at the limbus, which is the border between the cornea and the sclera, the white part of the eye. Once the incision is made, the surgeon excises the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it to ensure complete removal and minimize the risk of recurrence. This procedure is distinct from CPT® Code 66605, which involves an iridectomy combined with a cyclectomy, where a portion of the ciliary body is also removed. The ciliary body is located just behind the iris and plays a crucial role in producing aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye, and in controlling the eye's ability to focus. The iridectomy procedure is essential for addressing lesions that may affect vision or cause other complications within the eye.