CPT® Code 67316

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. The human eye is controlled by six extraocular muscles that facilitate movement in various directions. When one of these muscles is excessively strong, it can lead to conditions where the eye turns inward, outward, or experiences vertical misalignment. Conversely, if a muscle is too weak, it can result in the eyes being misaligned. To address these issues, 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, thereby reducing its strength relative to the opposing muscle. This technique is typically used 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 helps to correct the misalignment. The surgery 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. The specific CPT® code 67316 is designated for strabismus surgery involving recession or resection of two or more vertical muscles, excluding the superior oblique muscle, highlighting the complexity and precision required in these corrective procedures.