This invention concerns an intraocular artificial lens with variable optical power which lens is comprised of two optical elements which can be shifted relatively to each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis wherein the optical elements have such a shape that they exhibit, in combination, different optical powers at different relative positions and positioning means for positioning the optical elements in the eye and driving means for at least one of the optical elements to execute a movement relative to the other optical element and whereby the positioning means provide for forcing the optical elements to a resting position.