Recovery After Retinal Laser Treatment: Timeline and Tips
Submitted by Michael J. Elman, M.D. on December 15, 2025
Retinal laser treatment is a highly effective procedure used to manage conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, and vein occlusions. While the procedure itself is typically quick and minimally invasive, proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and preserving vision.
In this blog, the board-certified retina specialists at Elman Retina Group in Baltimore guide each patient through the recovery process, providing detailed post-treatment instructions to promote the best possible outcome.
What to Expect After Retinal Laser Treatment
Most patients return home the same day, often resuming light activities within 24 hours. Mild discomfort, redness, or blurry vision may occur temporarily as the eye adjusts. Some individuals notice small floaters or mild light sensitivity during the first few days. These side effects are usually short-lived and improve as the eye heals.
It’s normal for vision to fluctuate slightly as swelling subsides and the treated retina stabilizes. Patients treated for conditions like diabetic retinopathy may require multiple laser sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to fully address abnormal blood vessels or fluid leakage.
Healing Timeline
In the first 24 to 48 hours, rest and avoiding eye strain are recommended. Reading or extended screen time should be limited until vision becomes clearer. By the end of the first week, most irritation or light sensitivity has improved. Over the next several weeks, the retina continues to heal, and visual stability returns gradually.
Follow-up visits are essential. During these appointments, your specialist evaluates healing and monitors retinal thickness using imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT). Depending on your condition, additional treatments (such as anti-VEGF injections or further laser therapy) may be advised to maintain long-term control of the disease.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Avoid rubbing or pressing on the treated eye. If dryness occurs, use the recommended lubricating drops. Sunglasses can help ease sensitivity to bright light, especially in the first few days. It’s also important to refrain from strenuous exercise, bending, or heavy lifting for at least a week, as these activities can increase eye pressure.
Patients with diabetes should pay particular attention to maintaining stable blood sugar levels, since fluctuations can delay healing and worsen retinal swelling. Taking prescribed medications consistently and keeping follow-up appointments are key steps to achieving the best possible results.
When to Contact Your Retina Specialist
While mild discomfort is normal, sudden changes such as severe pain, new floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow across your vision require immediate attention. Although uncommon, these changes may indicate retinal complications requiring urgent treatment.
Expert Retinal Care in Baltimore and Surrounding Areas
At Elman Retina Group, serving the Baltimore, Pikesville, and Glen Burnie areas, our retina specialists use advanced technology to deliver precise laser treatments and provide expert postoperative care. To learn more about retinal laser treatment, contact us today at (410) 686-3000 for excellent care and guidance throughout your recovery.
