Intraocular lens exchange assisted by preoperative neodymium:YAG laser haptic fracture

We present 3 cases of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange in which a neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser was used before surgery to fracture a haptic and make intraocular manipulations easier and safer. Strategic placement of the fracture facilitates maneuvering to explant the IOL segments. Delaying pupil dilation until after the Nd:YAG laser is used and prudent positioning of the patient's head minimize the risk that freed IOL segments will damage the cornea or subluxate posteriorly into the vitreous cavity. Neodymium:YAG laser IOL fracture before explantation/ exchange is a viable combined procedure.