CPT® Code 67311

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67311 pertains to strabismus surgery, specifically focusing on recession or resection procedures involving one horizontal muscle. Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object, which can lead to issues with depth perception and visual clarity. The eye is controlled by six extraocular muscles, which are responsible for its movement. When one of these muscles is excessively strong, it can cause the eye to deviate, resulting in conditions such as esotropia (inward turning) or exotropia (outward turning). Conversely, if a muscle is too weak, it can lead to misalignment of the eyes. In cases where a muscle is too strong, a recession procedure is performed on the affected eye, which involves detaching the muscle from its original position and reattaching it further back on the eye. This action effectively weakens the muscle's pull, allowing for better alignment with the opposing muscle. On the other hand, if a muscle is too weak, a recession procedure may be performed on the opposing eye to help achieve balance. Alternatively, a resection procedure may be utilized to strengthen a weak muscle, which involves detaching the muscle and reattaching it in a new position to enhance its strength and correct the misalignment. The surgical approach typically involves making a small incision in the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye, over the targeted extraocular muscle. The muscle is then detached from the globe of the eye and repositioned either farther back or in a new location, depending on whether a recession or resection is being performed. After the muscle is secured in its new position with sutures, the conjunctival incision is closed. This procedure can be performed on various muscles, including the lateral or medial rectus muscles, with specific codes designated for different combinations of muscle involvement.