CPT® Code 67312

Strabismus surgery is a specialized procedure aimed at correcting misalignment of the eyes, which can occur due to imbalances in the strength of the extraocular muscles that control eye movement. The human eye is equipped with six extraocular muscles, each playing a crucial role in coordinating eye movements. When one of these muscles is excessively strong, it can lead to conditions where the eye turns inward, outward, or experiences abnormal vertical positioning. Conversely, if a muscle is too weak, it can result in misalignment of the eyes, causing issues such as double vision or difficulty focusing. To address these imbalances, two primary surgical techniques are employed: recession and resection. In a recession procedure, the affected muscle is detached from its original position on the eye and reattached further back, effectively weakening its pull and allowing the opposing muscle to exert more influence. This technique is particularly useful for muscles that are too strong. On the other hand, a resection procedure is utilized to strengthen a weak muscle by detaching it and reattaching it in a new position closer to the front of the eye. This adjustment increases the muscle's effectiveness in aligning the eyes properly. The surgery typically involves making a small incision in the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the eye, to access the extraocular muscles. After the necessary adjustments are made, the incision is closed, completing the procedure. The specific coding for these surgeries varies based on the muscles involved, with CPT® Code 67312 specifically indicating a recession or resection procedure performed on two horizontal muscles, typically the lateral and medial rectus muscles of the same eye.