Stress fractures after folding an acrylic intraocular lens

To manage the complication of stress fractures in foldable acrylic intraocular lenses.

During an implantation of a foldable acrylic intraocular lens (AcrySof, Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, Texas), the optic was noted to have developed paracentral stress fractures along the fold approximately 50% deep.

The lens was explanted and replaced without difficulty.

The observed complication can be avoided by recognizing that it might occur, wetting the lens before slowly folding it, and inspecting it carefully before insertion.