CPT® Code 66988

Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1 stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (eg, irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification); with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation

Extracapsular cataract removal is a surgical procedure aimed at treating cataracts, which are opacities that develop in the lens of the eye, leading to impaired vision. This procedure involves the removal of the cataractous lens while preserving the surrounding capsule, followed by the insertion of an intraocular lens (IOL) prosthesis to restore clear vision. The surgery is performed using either a manual or mechanical technique, such as phacoemulsification, which utilizes ultrasound energy to break up the lens into smaller pieces for easier removal. Additionally, this procedure incorporates endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP), a technique used to treat glaucoma by applying laser energy to the ciliary body, which can help reduce intraocular pressure and the need for glaucoma medications. The surgery is typically performed through a small incision at the corneoscleral junction, allowing for minimal trauma to the eye and promoting quicker recovery. The combination of cataract removal and ECP is particularly beneficial for patients with both cataracts and glaucoma, addressing both conditions in a single surgical intervention.