A device for implanting an intraocular lens in the lens capsule of an eye, the device comprising: a tubular housing having a primary axis extending between front and rear ends of the housing; a plunger longitudinally disposed within the housing and having first and second ends, the first end being disposed towards the front end of the housing; an electric drive system disposed within the housing, the electric drive system including an electric motor and configured to cause longitudinal translation of the plunger along the primary axis of the housing; a cartridge mount at or near the front end of the housing and configured to accommodate a removable insertion cartridge in alignment with the plunger so that an intraocular lens disposed in the insertion cartridge is displaced from the insertion cartridge as the plunger is translated towards the front end of the housing; characterized in that the device further comprises a control circuit, electrically connected to the electric motor and configured to perform the steps of: advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases; retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax; pausing after the plunger is retracted to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax; advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time; and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens. a tubular housing having a primary axis extending between front and rear ends of the housing; a plunger longitudinally disposed within the housing and having first and second ends, the first end being disposed towards the front end of the housing; an electric drive system disposed within the housing, the electric drive system including an electric motor and configured to cause longitudinal translation of the plunger along the primary axis of the housing; a cartridge mount at or near the front end of the housing and configured to accommodate a removable insertion cartridge in alignment with the plunger so that an intraocular lens disposed in the insertion cartridge is displaced from the insertion cartridge as the plunger is translated towards the front end of the housing; characterized in that the device further comprises a control circuit, electrically connected to the electric motor and configured to perform the steps of: advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases; retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax; pausing after the plunger is retracted to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax; advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time; and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens. advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases; retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax; pausing after the plunger is retracted to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax; advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time; and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens.