Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a common, non-invasive laser procedure used to manage open-angle glaucoma, a condition characterized by high pressure within the eye. This quick, in-office procedure targets the eye’s drainage system, the trabecular meshwork, to improve fluid outflow and lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Understanding the recovery timeline is important for patients undergoing this low-risk treatment. This guide provides an overview of what to expect immediately following the procedure and in the weeks and months that follow.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
The first 24 to 48 hours after Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty involve immediate monitoring and minor, temporary side effects. Directly after the procedure, which takes only about 5 to 10 minutes per eye, your vision may be temporarily blurred due to the contact lens used and the bright laser light exposure. This blurring often improves within a few hours to a day, meaning you should not plan to drive yourself home.
Your ophthalmologist will check your intraocular pressure approximately one hour after the procedure to detect any immediate, temporary pressure spike. This acute rise in IOP is uncommon but is the primary concern right after treatment, and it may require additional short-term eye drops or oral medication to control. You may also experience mild eye discomfort, a gritty sensation, or increased sensitivity to light for a few hours or up to a few days. These physical side effects are minor and usually resolve quickly on their own.
Managing Medications and Activity Restrictions
Attention to your medication regimen and physical activities is required immediately following the procedure. You must continue using any existing glaucoma eye drops unless your doctor specifically instructs you to stop or change them. The goal of SLT is to lower IOP, but the full effect takes time, so existing medications remain necessary initially.
In addition to your regular drops, your doctor will likely prescribe a temporary course of anti-inflammatory eye drops. These are typically used for five to seven days to manage inflammation caused by the laser treatment. Adhering strictly to the schedule for these post-operative drops is important for a smooth recovery. While some clinics may not routinely prescribe anti-inflammatory drops, they are often provided for use if you experience significant discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal, non-strenuous daily activities and return to work the day after the procedure. For the first few days, however, avoid heavy lifting, which can temporarily raise eye pressure. Activities involving significant head-down positioning or jarring movements, like strenuous exercise, are generally discouraged for the first week. You should also avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for at least a week to reduce the risk of infection or irritation.
Timeline for Therapeutic Results and Follow-Up
The pressure-lowering effect of SLT is not immediate, as it relies on a biological process of stimulating the trabecular meshwork. The full therapeutic result, a measurable reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), often takes several weeks to become apparent. The maximum effect is typically observed between six weeks and three months after the treatment.
Your first follow-up visit is usually scheduled a few weeks after the procedure, often at the two-week or one-month mark, to check the IOP and assess for inflammation. A subsequent, more definitive check is scheduled around six to eight weeks later to determine the procedure’s success. Success is defined by a measurable reduction in IOP, generally an average drop of about 20% to 30%, which occurs in approximately 70% to 80% of treated eyes.
If the procedure is successful, your doctor may consider reducing the number of glaucoma eye drops you use or maintaining your current regimen with a lower target pressure. If the treatment does not achieve the desired pressure reduction after the expected time frame (up to three months), your ophthalmologist will discuss alternative options. These options may include repeating the SLT, which is safe to do, or escalating treatment to a different type of laser, medication, or surgical intervention.