In simple words: The doctor inserts a small tube into the eye to help drain fluid and lower pressure inside the eye, reducing risk of vision loss.

This procedure involves the external placement of an aqueous shunt, an implantable device within the eye's aqueous humor, to facilitate drainage and reduce intraocular pressure.The surgeon makes a conjunctival incision, inserts a tube at the corneoscleral junction, connects it to a silicone plate positioned posteriorly to the sclera between extraocular muscles. This plate acts as a reservoir, draining fluid to the eye's equator. The conjunctiva is closed with sutures.

Example 1: A 70-year-old patient with uncontrolled glaucoma despite maximal medical therapy undergoes placement of an aqueous shunt to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss., A 65-year-old patient with neovascular glaucoma requiring surgical intervention has an aqueous shunt implanted to improve aqueous humor outflow and manage intraocular pressure., A 55-year-old patient with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and elevated intraocular pressure despite medical management undergoes aqueous shunt implantation to prevent optic nerve damage.

* Detailed history and physical examination focusing on ocular health, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurements, gonioscopy findings, and optic nerve assessment.* Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure readings.* Operative report detailing the surgical technique, device used, and any complications encountered.* Documentation of patient education regarding post-operative care, including medication regimen and follow-up appointments.* Evidence of medical necessity, including failure of medical management and documentation supporting the need for surgical intervention.

** Always verify coding with the most up-to-date CPT codebook and payer-specific guidelines.Consider consulting with a medical billing specialist for complex cases or if there is any uncertainty in coding.