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SMILE surgery in Toronto
Flap-free vision correction at Lumea Toronto
At Lumea Toronto, located in The Well at 486 Front St W, patients can explore SMILE — Small Incision Lenticule Extraction — as a precision laser option for near-sightedness and astigmatism. Whether you live in the downtown core, commute through Union Station, or work near the Financial District, Lumea The Well offers specialist-level SMILE assessment and surgery in one of Toronto’s most accessible locations.
SMILE is a minimally invasive, flap-free procedure. For patients who want clear vision, fast recovery, and reduced dependence on glasses or contacts without a traditional corneal flap, it may be a strong clinical fit, subject to a full candidacy assessment.
What is SMILE?
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction. The procedure uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin layer of corneal tissue, called a lenticule, within the cornea. The surgeon removes the lenticule through a tiny incision, causing the cornea to reshape so that light focuses correctly on the retina.
Unlike flap-based procedures such as LASIK, SMILE does not require the outer corneal surface to be opened. The cornea remains almost entirely intact throughout the procedure, which reduces the disruption to corneal nerves and may lead to fewer dry eye symptoms and more stable long-term results.
SMILE treats myopia and astigmatism. A complete consultation is required before treatment can be recommended.
Is Lasik right for you?
SMILE Pro in Toronto — ZEISS VISUMAX 800
Lumea Toronto offers SMILE Pro, performed using the ZEISS VISUMAX 800, the most advanced platform currently available for SMILE procedures.
Key advantages of SMILE Pro at Lumea The Well:
- The lenticule is created in under 10 seconds, reducing total laser time compared to previous SMILE standards.
- Shorter laser duration means less time the eye is under suction and pressure.
- CentraLign® and OcuLign® robotic alignment technology automatically compensates for eye rotation during treatment, especially relevant for patients with astigmatism.
- The open, ergonomic design of the VISUMAX 800 supports patient comfort and positioning.
SMILE Pro with the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 is exclusively available at Lumea’s Toronto location.
Why Toronto patients consider SMILE
Life in downtown Toronto puts constant demands on your vision, long hours on screens, commutes through Union Station, King West, and the Financial District, fitness routines, and the kind of fast-paced daily schedule where glasses and contacts become a daily inconvenience.
Our patients at Lumea often arrive having spent years managing the friction of corrective eyewear.
SMILE may be worth exploring if you are looking for:
- A flap-free laser procedure.
- Treatment for near-sightedness or astigmatism.
- A small-incision approach with minimal disruption to the corneal surface.
- Fast recovery, often within 1 to 2 days, with a quick return to work and daily life.
- A downtown Toronto consultation near King West, CityPlace, the Entertainment District, Harbourfront, Liberty Village, and the Financial District.
Our Team
Meet our doctors
Are you a candidate for SMILE in Toronto?
Ideal candidates for SMILE at Lumea Toronto include patients who are:
- Under 45 years of age
- Near-sighted up to −9.0D
- Diagnosed with astigmatism up to 5.0D
- Confirmed to have suitable corneal thickness
- Active in sports or physical routines
- Interested in a flap-free laser vision correction option
The candidacy assessment reviews your prescription, corneal measurements, tear film, eye health, screen use habits, activity level, and long-term visual goals.
When a different procedure may be the better fit
SMILE is not appropriate for all patients. If your prescription range, corneal thickness, age, dry eye condition, or goals point elsewhere, your Lumea surgeon will recommend the most suitable procedure, whether that is LASIK, PRK, ICL, PRESBYOND LASIK, Light Adjustable Lens, RLE, or Refractive Cataract Surgery.
The priority is always the procedure that best matches your eyes, not simply the newest option available.
Side effects after SMILE
Side effects following SMILE are generally mild and temporary, improving as the eye heals over the days and weeks after surgery.
Possible temporary side effects include:
- Dry eyes
- Irritation
- Foreign body sensation
- Temporary night glare
- Temporary halos
The Lumea team provides detailed post-operative guidance to help patients understand what is normal and how to support the healing process.
Risks and complications
Complications from SMILE are uncommon, and most are manageable when identified early. Pre-operative testing and structured post-operative follow-up are built into the Lumea process for this reason.
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Temporary swelling
- Inflammation
- Delayed healing
- Need for additional follow-up care
SMILE recovery at a glance
Recovery after SMILE is typically fast. Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within one to two days.
| Procedure length | Approximately 15 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia with oral sedation |
| Initial discomfort | Usually 6 to 12 hours |
| Vision improvement | Often within 1 to 2 days |
| Return to exercise | Usually 5 to 7 days |
| Eye makeup | Usually 7 to 14 days |
| Final visual outcome | Often within 1 to 2 weeks |
| Dry eye resolution | Typically, 4 to 8 weeks |
Personalized recovery instructions are provided based on your procedure, eye health, and healing progress.
Your SMILE consultation at Lumea Toronto
Lumea Toronto, The Well 486 Front St W, Unit SF43 Toronto, ON M5V 0V2 Tel: 416-663-0377.
Our downtown Toronto clinic is conveniently located for patients from King West, CityPlace, the Entertainment District, Harbourfront, Queen West, Liberty Village, the Financial District, and surrounding Toronto neighbourhoods. Learn more on our Toronto clinic page.
During your consultation, the team reviews your prescription, corneal thickness, eye health, visual needs, screen habits, activity level, and long-term goals to determine whether SMILE or SMILE Pro is the right fit.
Contact information
-
486 Front St W
Unit SF43
Toronto, ON M5V 0V2 - Tel: 416-663-0377
- Tel: 416-663-0208
Reviews
Stories from our patients
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took multiple recalibrations, and even tests with different temporary contacts to fine tune. The end result is slightly better than 20/20 vision, something I would never have imagined. Thank you to the Lumea team for the patience and follow ups to get me to this point

Patrick Samson-Doel
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Lumia’s professional service and advanced technology, which allowed me to truly experience a crystal-clear vision. This surgery opened my eyes to a completely different world and allowed me to rediscover the beauty of life.

Hui Jin

Karen
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could have done this in 1953. Kudos to Dr. Salwan, a wonderful staff and just an absolutely all-around amazing experience.

C C Daellenbach
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Dr. Salwan for his professionalism and patience. He is second to none. Thanks Lumea!

Mario Laudi
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me better. A heartfelt thank you to the entire Lumea Toronto team — the doctors, technicians, and assistants — for their professionalism and care.

D S
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feel like I now have the night vision of a cat. The Toronto Lumea office is a new modern, clean and relaxing office. It is located at the “Well” in Toronto, a destination all by itself. The strength of the Lumea Toronto office is the people. The teamwork is absolutely amazing. A really professionally run office and the results speak for themselves.

Jeremiah Sullivan

Kevin Moffatt
Book a SMILE consultation in Toronto
If you are considering SMILE eye surgery in Toronto, the next step is a detailed candidacy assessment. Lumea Toronto can help determine whether SMILE is suitable for your eyes or whether another procedure may offer a better clinical fit.