A medical instrument, in particular scissors, forceps or similar, preferably for use in ophthalmology, comprising a tool having an active region (1) and an actuation region (2), and a sleeve (3), the active region (1) having two interacting active elements (4) which can be moved in respect of one another. The sleeve (3) fully or partially encloses the tool at least in the actuation region (2), wherein the active elements (4) can be moved in respect of one another by sliding the sleeve (3) relative to the tool. Recesses (7) for guiding the active elements (4) are formed on the sleeve (3).
