What is SMILE laser eye surgery?
If you’re considering vision correction, you may have heard about SMILE laser eye surgery. But what is it, and how does it compare to LASIK? Here’s everything you need to know about this modern procedure and why it’s an excellent option for many patients.
What is SMILE laser eye surgery?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a minimally invasive laser eye surgery designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a flap in the cornea, SMILE removes a small piece of corneal tissue (lenticule) through a tiny incision, reshaping the eye to improve vision.
How does SMILE work?
- Laser creates a lenticule – A femtosecond laser precisely creates a disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue inside the eye
- Lenticule removal – The surgeon removes this tissue through a tiny incision, reshaping the cornea to correct vision
- Vision correction – The eye heals naturally without the need for a large flap, offering a quicker and more comfortable recovery.
Benefits of SMILE surgery
- Minimally invasive
SMILE requires only a 2-4mm incision, compared to the larger flap used in LASIK, reducing the risk of complications - Flap-free procedure
Since SMILE doesn’t create a corneal flap, it minimises the risk of flap-related issues and is ideal for patients with an active lifestyle - Fast recovery time
Most patients experience clear vision within a few days, with minimal discomfort and a lower risk of dry eye symptoms - Reduced risk of dry eye
SMILE preserves more corneal nerves than LASIK, reducing the likelihood of post-surgery dry eye syndrome - High precision and safety
SMILE uses advanced femtosecond laser technology for precise corrections, making it one of the most accurate vision correction procedures available.
Who is a candidate for SMILE?
SMILE is best suited for people with:
- Mild to moderate myopia (-1.00 to -10.00 D)
- Stable prescriptions for at least a year
- Healthy corneas with no severe eye conditions
- Astigmatism up to -5.00 D.
How does SMILE compare to LASIK?
| Feature | SMILE | LASIK |
| Flap creation | No | Yes |
| Recovery time | A few days | 24 hours |
| Risk of dry eye | Lower | Higher |
| Treats hyperopia | No | Yes |
| Suitability for active lifestyles | Excellent | Good |
Is SMILE right for you?
SMILE is a great alternative to LASIK, especially for those who are concerned about flap-related complications or dry eye issues. If you’re unsure whether SMILE is right for you, the best way to find out is to take our free suitability self-test.
Find out if you are suitable for laser eye surgery
Not everyone is eligible for vision correction surgery.
Find out if you could benefit from this life changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The best care, the best treatment and the best doctors.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Everything was done with care and the doctor explained everything in detail. My surgery was a success and my sight has significantly improved – I no longer use glasses.”
N.N.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“All I can say is WOW! I feel like I have new eyes.
Thank you just doesn’t even began to say how grateful I am. Your hole team is an absolute pleasure to be around. You guys rock”
S.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The service is excellent and the doctors are experts in their fields. I felt relaxed and confident that I was in great hands. Staff are warm, friendly and very helpful.”
F.W.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I would refer Dr Beatty to anyone interested in LASIK or PRK eye surgery. The entire experience was really pleasant with his and his staff’s professional advice and care before, during and after the surgery.
I am very thankful to be able to look at the world and go about my day to day activities without the hassle of glasses or contact lenses.”
P.M.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Best money spent ever. I am so happy with the results after I had LASIK done.”
M.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“BEST decision and results after I had my LASIK done by Doctor Beatty!”
A.A.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I will definitely recommend Dr Beatty. I am so happy with my LASIK.”
R.B.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr Daemon McClunan and the entire staff at Atlantic Eye Centre, Foreshore are beyond AMAZING. The medical care I received from Dr McClunan was outstanding and the staff was always friendly and professional.”
M.M.We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
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)
Hi, I’m James Beatty
I pride myself on providing exceptional eye care with state-of-the-art equipment and a team dedicated to excellence. With a focus on refractive surgery, I bring years of experience and expertise to each patient’s journey towards clearer vision.
As an active member of esteemed Ophthalmologist societies including the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa and the South African Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, I stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Additionally, my affiliation with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Glaucoma Society underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.
With a passion for laser surgery, I strive to deliver optimal outcomes for every patient.
Dr James Beatty
MB ChB (UCT) FCS (SA) Ophth MMed (Stel) Ophth
