Stress Fractures After Folding an Acrylic Intraocular Lens

Purpose: To manage the complication of stress fractures in foldable acrylic intraocular lenses. Methods: 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. Results: The lens was explanted and replaced without difficulty. Conclusions: 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.