SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for slt (selective laser trabeculoplasty): what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Eye Drop Schedule
- •Set alarms for eye drop times
- •Complete the full course even if eyes feel fine
- •Store drops as directed (some need refrigeration)
Protecting Your Eyes
- •Wear eye shield while sleeping for 1-2 weeks
- •Sunglasses during the day for light sensitivity
- •Do not rub your eyes for at least 4 weeks
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) recovery, day by day
Eye Protection
- Wear the protective eye shield as directed (especially while sleeping)
- Do NOT rub or press on your eye
- Your vision may be blurry initially; this is expected
- Rest your eyes; avoid screens for the remainder of the day
Eye Drops
- Start prescribed eye drops as directed (usually antibiotic + anti-inflammatory)
- Wait 5 minutes between different eye drops
- Do NOT touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface
- Wash hands thoroughly before applying drops
Activity Restrictions
- No bending over at the waist (bend at the knees instead)
- No heavy lifting (>10 lbs) or straining
- No swimming, hot tubs, or getting water directly in the eye
- Wear sunglasses outdoors (eyes are light-sensitive)
What to Expect
- Mild redness, scratchiness, and tearing are normal
- Continue all eye drops on schedule
- Do NOT wear eye makeup for 1-2 weeks
- Avoid dusty or smoky environments
Continued Recovery
- Continue eye drops as prescribed until completed
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Resume normal activities gradually as cleared
- New glasses prescription (if needed) is typically done at 4-6 weeks
When to call your provider or 911
- •Sudden loss of vision or dramatic decrease in vision
- •Sudden increase in floaters or flashing lights
- •Severe eye pain not relieved by prescribed drops or medication
- •Increasing redness (not improving)
- •Pus or thick discharge from the eye
- •Halos around lights that worsen
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 1
First post-op check
Surgeon evaluates initial healing
- Day 7
Activity restrictions ease
Gradually resume light activities
- Day 30
Follow-up evaluation
Detailed exam to assess healing progress
- Day 30
Expected recovery
Complete healing confirmed
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact slt (selective laser trabeculoplasty) recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
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