Vitrectomy (CPB 0393, reviewed 2026-07-08)
This Aetna clinical policy bulletin addresses vitrectomy. Aetna considers vitrectomy medically necessary for these conditions: epiretinal membrane with progression or worsening of vision; macular hole repair; proliferative retinopathy; rapidly progressing infectious endophthalmitis; removal of silicone oil used in the treatment of retinal detachment; retinal detachments secondary to vitreous strands; RPE65 mutation-associated retinal dystrophy; traumatic penetrating ocular injury; vitreous loss incident to cataract surgery; vitreoretinal lymphoma; vitreous membranes, strands and other opacities due to vitreous hemorrhage or other causes; and vitreous retraction. Aetna also considers a vitrectomy face support device (post-vitrectomy face-down support system) medically necessary for members who have had vitrectomy surgery and must maintain a face-down position in the post-operative period. Aetna considers these experimental, investigational, or unproven: autologous retinal transplant for macular holes; combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with phacoemulsification for retinal detachment; combined PPV with scleral buckling for retinal detachment; monitoring of intra-ocular pressure during vitrectomy surgery; prophylactic PPV for acute retinal necrosis; and PPV for the treatment of asymptomatic vitreous floaters. Codes 66850, 66852, 66982, 66984, 66987, 66988, 66989, 66991 and 67107 are listed as not covered for the indications in this policy.