Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion instrument for the implantation of intraocular lenses into the human eyes. The instrument is particularly intended for use in conjunction with the insertion of deformable intraocular lenses through extremely small incisions. The instrument comprises an insertion tube with a tip of reduced diameter which is inserted into the eye through a small incision; and a probe which is inserted into the tube to force an intraocular lens contained in the tube through the tip of the tube and into the eye. The handle of the probe is shaped so that its linear movement into the tube is stopped at a predetermined linear position of the probe in the tube, so as to limit the displacement of the probe into the tip of the tube. In addition, the probe may be spring-loaded into the handle to limit the force that may be applied to the lens during the insertion procedure.