CPT® Code 66920

The CPT® Code 66920 refers to the procedure for the removal of lens material through an intracapsular approach. This surgical intervention is typically indicated for various conditions affecting the lens, excluding dislocated lenses. The procedure begins with an incision made at the corneoscleral junction, which is the area where the cornea meets the sclera of the eye. This incision allows access to the lens capsule, which is the thin membrane surrounding the lens. To facilitate the removal of the lens, medication is injected to dissolve the zonal fibers that hold the lens in place, thereby loosening it from its natural position. A cryoprobe, a specialized instrument that uses extreme cold, is then inserted to freeze the lens, making it easier to extract. Once the lens is frozen, the probe is withdrawn, and both the natural lens and the lens capsule are carefully removed from the eye. After the lens material has been extracted, the surgical wound is repaired using sutures to ensure proper healing. Additionally, temporary sutures may be placed through the upper and lower eyelids to keep the eye closed during the initial healing phase. A soft bandage or patch may also be applied to protect the eye as it recovers from the procedure. It is important to note that this code should be used specifically for cases where the intracapsular removal of lens material is performed for conditions other than a dislocated lens, as a different code (CPT® Code 66930) is designated for the removal of a dislocated natural lens and lens capsule.