Is it normal to feel like my eye pressure is higher after SLT?

What's normal

A short-term rise in eye pressure right after laser trabeculoplasty is well recognized. The Glaucoma Research Foundation describes approximately a 5 percent incidence of intraocular pressure elevation after the laser, typically resolving within 24 hours, and its laser surgery overview notes that some patients experience a temporary spike shortly after the procedure. StatPearls calls a rise in intraocular pressure the most common complication of laser trabeculoplasty.

This is exactly why your pressure is rechecked before you go home. BrightFocus Foundation describes the sequence after treatment as removing the contact lens, rinsing the eye, and rechecking pressure, and notes that sometimes the pressure rises transiently. StatPearls also notes that the frequency of pressure spikes can be reduced by about two-thirds using preventive alpha-adrenergic agonist drops given roughly 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure, which is why many surgeons dose you beforehand.

Here is the honest limitation. A vague sense of fullness or tightness in the eye is not a reliable measurement. Ordinary glaucoma often causes no sensation at all even at damaging pressures. A feeling of higher pressure without other symptoms is common enough after any eye procedure and does not confirm your pressure is actually up. Only a tonometry reading in the office tells you that.

A post-laser pressure rise is typically checked the same day and usually resolves within about 24 hours when it happens.

When it stops being normal

If the feeling comes with severe eye pain, a headache, nausea or vomiting, sudden blurry vision, or rainbow-colored halos around lights, treat it as urgent. The American Academy of Ophthalmology describes that combination as a true eye emergency and says to call your ophthalmologist right away.

Also call if the sensation is worsening past the first day rather than settling, since the Glaucoma Research Foundation describes post-laser pressure elevation as typically resolving within about 24 hours. The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists increased eye pressure among the possible complications of laser trabeculoplasty. Your ophthalmologist can measure it in minutes; guessing at home cannot.