SMILE2026-07-13T12:38:05+00:00

SMILE may be the right option for your eyes. Discover how this minimally invasive procedure works and whether you may be a suitable candidate. 

 

SMILE offers a fast procedure and a comparatively quick recovery, with many patients returning to normal activities soon after – suitability is confirmed during your screening.

 

SMILE may be the right option for your eyes. Discover how this minimally invasive procedure works and whether you may be a suitable candidate. 

 

SMILE offers a fast procedure and a comparatively quick recovery, with many patients returning to normal activities soon after – suitability is confirmed during your screening.

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Less Frustration. More Clarity.

Take the first step on a journey toward clearer vision – reducing your reliance on glasses and experiencing daily life with more confidence.

Experience life unhindered

For many patients, SMILE has resulted in less dependence on glasses and contact lenses, easier participation in sport, and greater day-to-day convenience. A consultation with the appropriate specialist will help you understand if this procedure is right for you and your eyes.

Gain confidence and freedom

Patients have shared with us that reduced dependence on glasses and contacts has brought them a real sense of freedom and confidence in their daily lives. What that feels like will be different for everyone – and we will always give you an honest picture of what to expect before you make any decision.

Unlock your vision’s potential

Imagine waking up refreshed, effortlessly reading the morning news on your phone. You spend the day immersed in hobbies, enjoying clear vision without glasses or contacts, feeling liberated and empowered.

Transform how others see you

Many patients who have had SMILE tell us that doing sport, travelling, and simply going about their day feels easier and more enjoyable. Some patients may still need glasses or contact lenses for certain tasks after the procedure. What your own outcome looks like will depend on your state of health, the status of your eye health, your prescription, and your lifestyle – and that is exactly what we will explore together at your consultation

See the transformation: From frustration to freedom

Embark on a journey of transformation from breaking free from glasses to experiencing a life filled with confidence and liberation.

Experience life unhindered

For many patients, SMILE has resulted in less dependence on glasses and contact lenses, easier participation in sport, and greater day-to-day convenience. A consultation with the appropriate specialist will help you understand if this procedure is right for you and your eyes.

Gain confidence and freedom

Patients have shared with us that reduced dependence on glasses and contacts has brought them a real sense of freedom and confidence in their daily lives. What that feels like will be different for everyone – and we will always give you an honest picture of what to expect before you make any decision.

Unlock your vision’s potential

Imagine waking up refreshed, effortlessly reading the morning news on your phone. You spend the day immersed in hobbies, enjoying clear vision without glasses or contacts, feeling liberated and empowered.

Transform how others see you

Many patients who have had SMILE tell us that doing sport, travelling, and simply going about their day feels easier and more enjoyable. Some patients may still need glasses or contact lenses for certain tasks after the procedure. What your own outcome looks like will depend on your state of health, the status of your eye health, your prescription, and your lifestyle – and that is exactly what we will explore together at your consultation.

3 Simple Steps To Explore Your Vision Correction Options

Navigating the world of laser eye surgery can feel like a maze. We’ve streamlined the process, making your journey toward clearer vision simple.

Tell us about your eyes

Wondering if laser eye surgery could reduce your reliance on 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 book your 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.

Not sure if you qualify for SMILE?

Book a video call with our team to find out whether you might be a candidate for SMILE and what clearer vision might mean for your lifestyle.

Not sure if you qualify for SMILE?

Book a video appointment to find out if you’re a candidate for vision correction. Most people assume they are either definitely a candidate or definitely not. The screening usually surprises people either way.

Understanding SMILE: How this minimally invasive procedure works

Your Guide to This Advanced Treatment

SMILE suitability criteria

  • SMILE eye surgery offers a minimally invasive solution for vision correction, providing quicker recovery, less discomfort, and fewer complications.
  • This treatment is effective for people who have difficulty seeing things far away, known as myopia. It’s also suitable for people with or without astigmatism.

SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, corrects vision by reshaping the cornea without the need for creating a flap. A precise laser is used to create a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue within the cornea, which is then removed through a tiny incision, resulting in improved vision without the need for glasses or contacts.

Advantages of SMILE eye surgery:

  • Minimally invasive: SMILE requires a smaller incision compared to other laser eye surgeries, reducing the risk of complications.
  • Faster recovery: Patients typically experience quicker recovery times and less discomfort after SMILE surgery.
  • Reduced dry eye: SMILE has been associated with lower rates of dry eye symptoms compared to other procedures.
  • Predictable outcomes: SMILE has shown to provide stable and reliable vision correction results over time.

Disadvantages:

  • Potential for visual disturbances: Like with any treatment, some patients may experience temporary visual disturbances such as glare or halos, especially during the initial recovery period.
  • Cost: SMILE surgery may be more expensive than other laser eye surgeries, making it less accessible to some individuals.

SMILE is a safe way to help your eyes see better. It is gentle on your eyes compared to some other treatments, so there’s a lower chance of having problems afterwards. Yet, like any treatment, there can be some rare side effects. Here are some:

Dry eye syndrome: While less common than with other procedures, some patients may experience temporary or persistent dryness of the eyes after SMILE surgery.

Undercorrection or overcorrection of vision: In some cases, the desired vision correction may not be achieved, leading to persistent refractive errors.

Visual disturbances: Patients may experience glare, halos, or double vision, particularly during the initial healing period.

Infection or inflammation: Although rare, there is a risk of developing infection or inflammation in the treated eye following SMILE surgery.

For individuals seeking alternatives to SMILE, options include traditional LASIK and PRK procedures. LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, while PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea. Both procedures reshape the cornea to correct vision. Additionally, lens implant surgery, such as ICL or refractive lens exchange, may be suitable alternatives for those not eligible for laser surgery.

Step 1: To start, we’ll give you special drops in your eye to make it numb, so you won’t feel anything. Then, we’ll gently keep your eye open using a tool once the drops take effect.

Step 2: Next, a small piece of tissue (called a lenticule) is created inside the cornea with the laser.

Step 3: Finally, we’ll remove the lenticule through a small incision. This changes the shape of the clear front part of your eye, improving your vision.

Published, relevant clinical studies show that the majority of suitable SMILE candidates experience a significant improvement in their unaided vision. Many patients achieve clearer vision without glasses for most or all daily activities. As with any surgical procedure, outcomes vary between individuals.

A small number of patients may still benefit from glasses for certain tasks or may need a follow-up enhancement procedure. Your surgeon will share the clinical evidence and the specific risks that apply to your eyes with you.

Patients often report high satisfaction rates and a significant improvement in their daily activities, such as driving, reading, and participating in sports. With careful preoperative assessment and skilled surgical techniques, SMILE offers a safe and effective solution for long-term vision correction.

The information on this page is for general guidance only. Before making any decisions about your eye health or treatment, please speak to a registered ophthalmologist.

An information call with our team does not constitute a clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation.

Are glasses, screen glare, or vision limits holding you back?

If so, you have the choice to explore laser vision correction

Fitness frustrations

Are you constantly battling with your glasses slipping off during exercise, feeling annoyed and hindered from reaching your full workout potential? It’s a common frustration, having to adjust your glasses mid-run or even avoid certain activities altogether.

Imagine the freedom of moving dynamically and enjoying sports without any restraint. That’s the liberation and peace of mind you stand to gain, transforming your fitness frustrations into an unrestricted, active lifestyle.

Take the first step towards this freedom: book a video call today.

Digital eye strain dilemma

Battling screen glare and reflections leaves you with tired eyes, feeling fatigued after long hours in front of digital devices, which ultimately impacts your productivity. You find yourself taking frequent breaks and making adjustments to mitigate discomfort, disrupting your workflow and efficiency.

Imagine a scenario where you can enjoy comfortable, prolonged screen use with improved focus and efficiency, without the constant battle against glare. This vision of enhanced digital engagement and productivity can be your reality.

Take the first step towards achieving this by booking a video call today.

Hobby limitations

Your hesitation to engage in hobbies that require clear vision, such as photography or reading, leaves you feeling frustrated and restricted, unable to fully immerse yourself in your passions. This often leads to compromising on experiences or the need for additional equipment just to participate.

Imagine having the ability to dive into your hobbies with ease, significantly enhancing your personal joy and fulfilment. This dream can become a reality, opening up a world where your vision supports your passions without limitation.

Take the first step towards this new chapter by booking a video call today.

What patients at Atlantic Eye Laser Centre have said

These are individual patient accounts. Circumstances, outcomes and experiences vary from person to person and do not represent a guarantee of results. Please speak to one of our ophthalmologists about what you may realistically expect for your eyes.

Reduce Your Reliance on Frames – Explore 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 self-test and find out.

See Your Options Clearly – Explore What’s Possible

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.

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

Affiliations and memberships

We are proud to be a part of these professional bodies

Discover the latest resources on SMILE laser eye surgery

Learn more about this minimally invasive procedure from authoritative sources. These links will take you off our website.

In a local clinical study of patients treated for myopia with SMILE, 93.4% of participants achieved unaided distance visual acuity of 6/6 or better at the primary outcome point. Results in individual patients depend on prescription, corneal anatomy, and other clinical factors – your surgeon will give you a personalised picture at your assessment. Click here to learn more.

SMILE laser eye surgery is an advanced procedure for near-sightedness correction, distinct from LASIK. Using a VisuMax femtosecond laser, a small lens-shaped tissue is created within the cornea, altering its shape. This minimally invasive technique results in rapid visual acuity improvement without the need for large corneal flaps, potentially reducing dry eye risks. SMILE’s efficacy, along with comparable costs to LASIK, makes it a compelling option for suitable candidates seeking precise vision correction.

This post encompasses all you need to know about the process, the limitations, pros and cons. Click here to learn more.

Hi, I’m Daemon McClunan

I’m proud to be the founder of both Atlantic Eye Centre, an eye specialist centre, and LIQID Medical Pty, a biotech company. My passion for research and innovation has led me to create four patented devices, and receive 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 Laser Eye Surgery centres in Canada, Germany, India and London, I’m dedicated to providing dedicated, patient-centred 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 for every patient to feel genuinely informed, comfortable, and well cared for – from their first conversation right through to their last post-operative visit.

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
Find Out If You’re Suitable for Laser Eye Surgery

Not everyone is a suitable and safe candidate for vision correction surgery. All surgical procedures have risks involved based on the complex nature of each individual and their presenting condition. Therapeutic outcomes vary from person to person. A thorough physical, physiological and psychological assessment is required before any decision about any procedure or treatment for a specific individual can be made.

The information on this website is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a registered ophthalmologist about what is the most appropriate course of action for your eyes. Atlantic Eye Laser Centre practitioners are registered with the HPCSA.

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