A microsurgical instrument for illuminating an interior site, comprising: an optical fiber having a length between opposed proximal and distal ends, said proximal end of the optical fiber being configured for operative engagement with an illumination light source; said distal end of the optical fiber including a light emitting portion; a preformed curved portion of the optical fiber proximate to the distal end, said curved portion having a predetermined bend or curve; a flexible tubular sleeve enclosing at least a portion of the optical fiber, said sleeve having a preformed curved portion corresponding to the preformed curved portion of the optical fiber; and a tubular fitting affixed to a distal end of the sleeve through which the distal end of the optical fiber passes therethrough, said microsurgical instrument being characterized in that said tubular fitting comprises: a male tapered portion being configured for coupling engagement inside a cannula to rigidly secure the tubular fitting and the cannula together via insertion of a tapered portion of the tubular fitting into a throughbore of the cannula for frictional retainment therein, said male tapered portion comprising a continuous through cavity adapted to receive said optical fiber; and a cylindrical member located opposite from said male tapered portion, said cylindrical member comprising a continuous through cavity adapted to receive said optical fiber and being configured for reception within the distal end of the sleeve and for securement to said distal end of the sleeve. an optical fiber having a length between opposed proximal and distal ends, said proximal end of the optical fiber being configured for operative engagement with an illumination light source; said distal end of the optical fiber including a light emitting portion; a preformed curved portion of the optical fiber proximate to the distal end, said curved portion having a predetermined bend or curve; a flexible tubular sleeve enclosing at least a portion of the optical fiber, said sleeve having a preformed curved portion corresponding to the preformed curved portion of the optical fiber; and a tubular fitting affixed to a distal end of the sleeve through which the distal end of the optical fiber passes therethrough, said microsurgical instrument being characterized in that said tubular fitting comprises: a male tapered portion being configured for coupling engagement inside a cannula to rigidly secure the tubular fitting and the cannula together via insertion of a tapered portion of the tubular fitting into a throughbore of the cannula for frictional retainment therein, said male tapered portion comprising a continuous through cavity adapted to receive said optical fiber; and a cylindrical member located opposite from said male tapered portion, said cylindrical member comprising a continuous through cavity adapted to receive said optical fiber and being configured for reception within the distal end of the sleeve and for securement to said distal end of the sleeve. a male tapered portion being configured for coupling engagement inside a cannula to rigidly secure the tubular fitting and the cannula together via insertion of a tapered portion of the tubular fitting into a throughbore of the cannula for frictional retainment therein, said male tapered portion comprising a continuous through cavity adapted to receive said optical fiber; and a cylindrical member located opposite from said male tapered portion, said cylindrical member comprising a continuous through cavity adapted to receive said optical fiber and being configured for reception within the distal end of the sleeve and for securement to said distal end of the sleeve.