LASIK eye surgery2024-07-10T08:29:30+00:00

Say Goodbye to Glasses and Contacts with LASIK in Cape Town!

Experience the freedom of clear vision through a precise, quick procedure that reshapes your cornea to correct your eyesight, allowing you to see clearly without the need for corrective lenses.

As seen in

Say Goodbye to Glasses and Contacts with LASIK in Cape Town!

Experience the freedom of clear vision through a precise, quick procedure that reshapes your cornea to correct your eyesight, allowing you to see clearly without the need for corrective lenses.

As seen in

Everything You Need to Know About LASIK eye surgery: Clear Answers for Clear Vision

Discover the benefits of LASIK and find answers to your most pressing questions about this life-changing treatment.

LASIK suitability criteria

LASIK can help you see well without glasses or contacts if you’re over 18, your eye strength has stayed the same for a year, and your eyes are healthy.

You shouldn’t have any major eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts, and your corneas need to be a certain thickness.

We’ll check all of this during your free face-to-face screening to see if it is right for you.

LASIK is a surgery that reshapes the cornea, the front part of the eye, to improve vision. During the procedure, a thin flap is created on the cornea, which is lifted to access the underlying tissue. Using a laser, small amounts of tissue are removed to reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The flap is then placed back in position, and the eye heals naturally without the need for stitches.

Advantages of LASIK:

  • Precision in Vision Correction: LASIK uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea with exceptional accuracy, effectively correcting vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
  • Freedom from Glasses and Contacts: One of the most significant benefits is the ability to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses, providing greater convenience and comfort in daily activities.
  • Quick Recovery Time: The recovery process for LASIK is generally swift. Many patients notice improved vision within 24 hours and can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
  • Minimal Discomfort During the Procedure: The LASIK procedure is relatively quick, usually taking about 15 minutes for both eyes, and involves minimal discomfort due to the use of numbing eye drops.

Disadvantages of LASIK:

  • Risk of Dry Eyes: LASIK can cause a decrease in tear production, leading to dry eyes. This condition can be temporary or, in some cases, long-lasting. It’s often manageable with artificial tears or other treatments.
  • Visual Disturbances: Some patients may experience halos, glare, or fluctuating vision, particularly in low-light conditions. These symptoms usually diminish over time but can be bothersome initially.
  • Not Suitable for Everyone: LASIK is not an ideal solution for all vision problems. People with certain eye conditions, very thin corneas, or severe vision issues may not be good candidates. Additionally, some individuals may still need glasses for specific activities, such as reading or driving at night.

LASIK, like any surgery, carries risks, although most are rare.

Serious risks include vision worsening despite glasses, corneal shape changes, and eye infections.

Less serious risks include dry eyes, night vision issues like halos around lights, and the potential need for glasses or additional surgery later on.

It’s crucial to discuss these risks with your eye care provider to make an informed decision about LASIK.

LASIK isn’t the only option for vision correction.

Alternative procedures like PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) offer similar outcomes for those unsuitable for LASIK.

PRK involves removing the outer layer of the cornea, while SMILE uses a laser to create a small disc of tissue inside the cornea. Both procedures are effective but may have longer recovery times than LASIK.

Additionally, lens replacement surgery, such as implantable contact lenses (ICL) or intraocular lenses (IOLS), provides an alternative for those with thin corneas or extreme prescriptions unsuitable for laser surgery.

  • Step 1: Special drops are applied to your eye to ensure numbness, making the procedure painless.
  • Step 2: A gentle tool is used to keep your eye steady and open once the numbing drops take effect.
  • Step 3: A precise laser creates a small flap on the clear front part of your eye, allowing access to the cornea.
  • Step 4: Another laser precisely reshapes the cornea, correcting vision imperfections and improving clarity.
  • Step 5: The flap is carefully folded back into its original position, acting as a natural protective barrier.
  • Step 6: Vision improvement is noticeable immediately following the procedure.

LASIK surgery brings immense joy to many by granting clear vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Post-surgery, most individuals achieve 20/20 vision or better, akin to wearing corrective lenses.

The degree of improvement varies based on pre-existing conditions. In cases where the initial results fall short, patients may undergo enhancement procedures at no additional cost. While some may still require glasses or contacts post-surgery, their dependence significantly diminishes, often requiring weaker prescriptions.

LASIK simplifies daily life, allowing for effortless activities like checking the time upon waking or engaging in sports without eyewear constraints.

The surgery liberates individuals to live unencumbered by visual aids, enhancing daily experiences and fostering a newfound sense of freedom and enjoyment.

Not sure if you qualify for SMILE?

Book a free video call to uncover the potential for crystal-clear vision. Most people assume they are either definitely a candidate or definitely not. The screening usually surprises people either way.

Not sure if you qualify for SMILE?

Book a free video appointment to uncover the potential for crystal-clear vision. Most people assume they are either definitely a candidate or definitely not. The screening usually surprises people either way.

3 simple steps to unlock your vision’s full potential

Navigating the world of laser eye surgery can feel like a maze. We’ve streamlined the process, making your path to clear vision simple

Tell us about your eyes

Wondering if laser eye surgery is your ticket to a life without glasses or contacts? The journey begins here. Connect with our welcoming team via +27 79 686 6565 for Foreshore & Blaauwberg or +27 21 802 2853 for Somerset West or effortlessly book your free video call online. It’s your first step towards clarity.

Come in for a screening

Your ophthalmologist maps your cornea, measures your prescription, and assesses whether SMILE, or any procedure,  is appropriate for your eyes. This is where suitability is confirmed. Cost of the screening will be given when you book.

Decide with full information

If you are a candidate and choose to go ahead, your ophthalmologist will walk through the procedure, the risks, what to expect, and the full cost in writing. Surgery is only scheduled once you are satisfied and have given informed consent.

What patients at Atlantic Eye Laser Centre have said

These are patient accounts. Experiences and outcomes differ between individuals.

We answer your questions about vision correction treatment in Cape Town

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about restoring your vision

See your future clearly, without the frames

Laser eye surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Your eyes and your lifestyle play a big part. Ready to see which type suits you? Take this 2-min self-test and find out.

See your future clearly, explore all your options

Laser eye surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Your eyes and your lifestyle play a big part. Ready to see which type suits you? Take this 2-min quiz and find out.

Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan

I’m proud to be the founder of both the Atlantic Eye Centre, a leading eye specialist centre; and LIQID Medical Pty, an award-winning biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and earn various prestigious awards during my specialist training.

With a medical degree from Stellenbosch University, a specialist degree from the University of Cape Town, and experience working in renowned Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing top-tier care.

Beyond the clinic, I’ve embarked on humanitarian missions, travelling over 15,000km by motorbike to provide rural eye screenings. In my downtime, I love mountain biking, diving, and spending quality time with my family.

My goal is to provide a world-class service which ensures every patient leaves my practice feeling happier than when they first walked in.

Dr Daemon McClunan

MBChB(SU), DipOphth(SA), MMed(UCT), FcOphth(SA)

How to find us in Cape Town
How to reach us

Dr James Beatty

Dr Daemon McClunan

Our most popular procedures
Are you suitable for laser eye surgery

Refractive surgery isn’t suitable for everyone.

The first step is to take a self-test so you can find out if you can benefit

® 2025 Atlantic Eye Laser Centre | Privacy Notice |  Cookie Policy | Website designed & developed by LiveseySolar

Go to Top