Week 1 After LASIK: Complete Recovery Guide NZ
Comprehensive guide to your first week after LASIK surgery in New Zealand. What to expect, dos and don'ts, and expert recovery tips. Updated October 2026.
Week 1 Quick Guide
- • Day 1: Rest, blurry vision, mild discomfort
- • Days 2-3: Significant clearing, follow-up check
- • Days 4-5: Return to work for most people
- • Days 6-7: Near-normal vision, fewer restrictions
- • Critical: Never rub eyes, use all prescribed drops
The first week after LASIK surgery is the most critical period for healing. Understanding what to expect each day helps you navigate recovery smoothly and achieve optimal results. This guide covers everything NZ LASIK patients need to know about week one. Updated October 2026.
Day-by-Day Schedule: Week 1
Day 1 (Sunday)
Morning
Surgery day - rest with eyes closed 4-6 hours
Afternoon
Vision blurry but improving
Evening
Significant improvement, still wear shields
Key Tasks
Use all eye drops, attend next-day follow-up if scheduled, rest
Day 2 (Monday)
Morning
First post-op check-up - vision assessment
Afternoon
May return to light work if cleared
Evening
Vision clearer, reduced discomfort
Key Tasks
Follow-up appointment, continue eye drops, limit screen time
Day 3 (Tuesday)
Morning
Vision significantly improved
Afternoon
Can resume most office work
Evening
Minimal symptoms
Key Tasks
Maintain eye drop schedule, use artificial tears hourly
Day 4 (Wednesday)
Morning
Near-normal vision for most
Afternoon
Light exercise okay if no sweat in eyes
Evening
Improved night vision
Key Tasks
Continue medications, protect eyes outdoors
Day 5 (Thursday)
Morning
Stable vision
Afternoon
Full work resumption for most
Evening
Dry eye may be noticeable
Key Tasks
Increase artificial tear frequency if needed
Day 6 (Friday)
Morning
Excellent vision
Afternoon
Planning weekend activities
Evening
Reduced light sensitivity
Key Tasks
Continue protection, avoid swimming still
Day 7 (Saturday)
Morning
Week 1 milestone
Afternoon
Most restrictions easing
Evening
Reflect on progress
Key Tasks
Prepare for week 2, maintain eye care routine
Symptom Resolution Timeline
| Symptom | Day 1 | Day 3 | Day 7 | Full Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blurred Vision | Moderate-Severe | Mild | Minimal/None | 1-2 days |
| Light Sensitivity | Severe | Moderate | Mild | 3-7 days |
| Watery Eyes | Moderate | Mild | Minimal | 2-4 days |
| Dry Eye | Mild | Moderate | Moderate | 1-3 months |
| Halos/Glare | Moderate | Moderate | Mild | 1-3 months |
| Discomfort/Pain | Mild-Moderate | Minimal | None | 1-2 days |
Essential Dos and Don'ts
✓ DO These Things
- ✓Use eye drops religiously
Set phone alarms for every dose
- ✓Wear protective shields at night
Prevents accidental rubbing while sleeping
- ✓Attend all follow-ups
Usually day 1-2 and day 7
- ✓Use artificial tears hourly
Combat dry eye effectively
- ✓Wear sunglasses outdoors
Protect from UV and wind
- ✓Rest your eyes frequently
20-20-20 rule for screens
- ✓Keep eyes clean and hygenic
Gentle cleaning around (not in) eyes
✗ DON'T Do These Things
- ✗Rub your eyes
Can dislodge the corneal flap
- ✗Get water in your eyes
No swimming, hot tubs, or face washing
- ✗Wear eye makeup
Wait minimum 1 week, preferably 2
- ✗Exercise strenuously
Avoid sweat in eyes first 3-5 days
- ✗Drive without clearance
Need surgeon approval first
- ✗Expose eyes to smoke/dust
Irritants delay healing
- ✗Skip any eye drops
Every dose matters for healing
Eye Drop Schedule for Week 1
Typical Daily Schedule
7:00 AM - Morning Routine
- • Antibiotic drops (e.g., Chlorsig)
- • Wait 5 minutes
- • Steroid drops (e.g., Prednisolone)
- • Wait 5 minutes
- • Lubricating drops
Every Hour - Throughout Day
- • Lubricating/artificial tears (preservative-free)
- • More frequently if eyes feel dry
12:00 PM, 6:00 PM - Midday & Evening
- • Repeat antibiotic drops
- • Wait 5 minutes
- • Repeat steroid drops
11:00 PM - Before Bed
- • Final dose of antibiotic drops
- • Final dose of steroid drops
- • Thick lubricating gel (if prescribed)
- • Put on protective eye shields
Work and Screen Time Guidelines
Office Work
Most office workers return days 2-4. Follow these guidelines:
- •20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- •Blink frequently: Conscious blinking prevents dry eye
- •Reduce brightness: Lower screen intensity, use night mode
- •Position screen: Slightly below eye level reduces strain
- •Use drops liberally: Apply artificial tears every hour
Physical Work
Labour-intensive jobs require extra precautions:
- •Days 1-3: Complete rest recommended
- •Days 4-7: Light duties only, avoid heavy lifting
- •Week 2+: Gradually return to full duties
- •Dusty environments: Wear protective eyewear
- •Outdoor work: Sunglasses mandatory
Planning Your LASIK Recovery?
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Book Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in the first week after LASIK?
In the first week after LASIK in NZ, expect rapid vision improvement. Day 1 involves rest with blurry vision, days 2-3 bring significant clearing, and by day 7 most patients have near-normal vision. You'll use eye drops multiple times daily, avoid water in eyes, and gradually resume activities. Most people return to work by days 2-4.
Can I work during the first week after LASIK?
Most office workers can return to work 2-3 days after LASIK surgery in New Zealand. Take frequent breaks from screens, use artificial tears regularly, and avoid dusty environments. Physically demanding jobs may require 4-7 days off. Your surgeon will provide specific clearance at your day-1 or day-2 follow-up.
How much does vision improve during week 1?
Vision improves dramatically during week 1. Day 1 vision is blurry, day 2-3 shows significant clearing (often 20/40 or better), and by day 7 most patients achieve 20/20 or 20/25 vision. Some fluctuation is normal as your eyes continue healing.
What are the biggest mistakes to avoid in week 1?
The biggest mistakes are: rubbing your eyes (can dislodge the flap), skipping eye drops (increases infection/inflammation risk), getting water in eyes (infection risk), and returning to activities too soon. Following your surgeon's instructions exactly is essential for optimal healing.
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