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Can cataract surgery be done in the rainy season?

"Wait for the cold season" is advice many families in India still hear about cataract surgery. Some people put off surgery for months because of it, struggling with poor vision through the summer and the monsoon. This guide explains where the belief came from, why it matters much less today, and what extra care helps during Goa's rains and heat. For an overview, see cataract surgery in Vasco, Goa.

Where did the belief come from?

Decades ago, cataract surgery used a large cut that needed many stitches, and patients were often kept lying still for days with both eyes bandaged. Sweat, heat and humidity made that long recovery uncomfortable, and infections were a bigger worry before today's sterile methods and eye drops. Winter was simply easier.

Why does the season matter less today?

• The opening in the eye is very small (in phaco) or a self-sealing tunnel (in SICS), and usually closes on its own.
• The surgery is done in a sterile operation theatre, whatever the weather outside.
• Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops protect the eye while it heals.
• Most people go home the same day and return to light daily life within a day or two.

So eye surgeons in India operate on cataracts all year round. The right time for surgery depends on your eye and your daily life, not on the calendar.

Is it all right to wait for winter instead?

If the cataract is early and not troubling you, waiting a few months is usually fine, and many people keep using spectacles for a while. But if poor vision is already causing problems, such as difficulty at work, trouble reading, or stumbling on stairs, waiting has its own risks, including falls. A cataract left for a long time can also become very mature, which makes surgery harder. Read early signs of cataract to see when it is time to talk about surgery.

What extra care helps in Goa's monsoon?

• Keep rainwater off the eye. Carry an umbrella, wear your protective glasses outdoors, and stay away from splashes from passing vehicles. Do not wipe the eye with wet hands or a damp handkerchief.
• Take care around eye flu. Conjunctivitis (eye flu) spreads widely in the rainy months. Wash your hands often, do not share towels or pillows, and if someone at home has eye flu, someone else should put in your eye drops.
• Tell us if your eye is red or sticky before surgery. If you have eye flu or any eye infection, surgery is put off until it has fully settled.
• Keep drops and towels clean and dry. Humid weather encourages germs and fungus. Close the bottle cap after each use, and use a fresh, dry towel.
• Avoid riding a two-wheeler in the first weeks, especially in rain and wind.
• Plan your follow-up travel. Heavy rain can flood roads and slow buses. If you live far away, you may want to stay near Vasco for the first night or two; see cataract surgery for elderly parents.

Does a cold or cough matter?

Coughs, colds and fevers are common in the monsoon. A bad cough can make it hard to lie still during surgery, and a fever may mean you are unwell. Tell us if you have a fever, cough or cold close to your surgery date; the surgeon may advise waiting a few days until you are better.

What about surgery in summer?

Summer heat is not a reason to avoid surgery either. In April and May, take these simple steps: wipe sweat from your forehead with a clean tissue so it does not run into the eye, wear dark glasses against glare and dust, stay cool indoors when you can, and drink enough water. If you have diabetes, keep your sugar steady in the heat.

What about festivals and family events?

Goa's calendar is full: Ganesh Chaturthi in the monsoon, Narkasur and Diwali with their smoke and firecrackers, Christmas and New Year, feasts and weddings. A recently operated eye should be kept away from firecracker smoke and sparks, crowds and dusty travel. So it helps to plan the surgery date so that the first two weeks do not fall on a festival you will spend outdoors or travelling.

So when should I have cataract surgery?

Choose a time when:

• The cataract is affecting your daily life, and your eye doctor advises surgery
• Your sugar and blood pressure are steady
• Someone can come with you on the surgery day and help with drops at home
• You can keep the follow-up visits

The season is a small part of the decision. The care you take afterwards matters far more; read precautions after cataract surgery. If anything worries you after surgery, at any hour, emergency eye care at ReNew Vision is available 24 hours on 072489 88039.

To plan your surgery, book a cataract check-up at ReNew Vision Eye Hospital, Vaddem, Vasco. The eye OPD is open Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to 7 pm.

Questions patients ask

Is summer a bad time for cataract surgery?

No. Cataract surgery is done all year round. In summer, keep sweat out of the eye with a clean tissue, wear dark glasses against glare and dust, and keep your sugar steady if you have diabetes.

Is winter a better season for cataract surgery?

Not with today's surgery. The opening is small and the operation theatre is sterile in every season. The right time depends on how much the cataract affects your life and on your health.

Can I have cataract surgery if I have eye flu?

No. If you have eye flu or any eye infection, surgery is put off until it has fully settled. Tell us if your eye becomes red, watery or sticky before your surgery date.

Can I go out in the rain after cataract surgery?

Yes, with care. Carry an umbrella, wear protective glasses, avoid splashes, and do not wipe the eye with wet hands. Avoid riding a two-wheeler until your surgeon allows.

What if I have a cold or cough near my surgery date?

Tell us. A bad cough can make it hard to lie still, and a fever may mean you are unwell. The surgeon may advise waiting a few days until you are better.

This page is general eye-health information, not personal medical advice. Your eye doctor advises you after examining your eyes.