The timing of your cataract surgery affects more than your schedule. The season you choose can influence how well you heal and how satisfied you feel with your results.
Stephen Khachikian, MD, performs cataract surgery year-round at his Rapid City, South Dakota, practice. While any season works for the procedure, summer offers several advantages that can make your surgical experience and recovery go more smoothly.
Summer’s longer days give you more optimal conditions for recovery. Research has shown that wounds heal better when they occur during daytime hours rather than at night, and summer extends those beneficial daylight hours well into the evening.
Summer’s consistent weather patterns eliminate environmental factors that can interfere with healing. You’re less likely to experience:
Summer’s more stable conditions let you focus on following your postoperative care instructions without fighting additional environmental problems. The predictable weather also means fewer cancelled appointments due to storms or icy conditions.
Summer schedules tend to be more relaxed. Kids are home from school, and many people take vacation time during these months. This makes it easier to attend the follow-up appointments that ensure proper healing.
Home heating systems dry out indoor air in winter, and this can irritate your healing eyes. In summer, you’re not running heaters that strip moisture from the air in your home.
Your eyes need to stay properly hydrated while the surgical site heals. Dry air makes your natural tears evaporate faster, which can slow recovery and increase discomfort. Summer’s naturally higher humidity levels help keep your eyes comfortable without forcing them to work harder to stay moist.
Summer gives you countless opportunities to test your improved vision. From reading poolside to watching grandchildren play in the yard, the season provides natural motivation for completing your cataract treatment.
The combination of reduced glare sensitivity and improved overall vision makes outdoor summer activities more enjoyable than they’ve been in years. This helps patients appreciate the full impact of their cataract surgery.
If cloudy vision has been affecting your summer activities, call Dr. Khachikian’s office at 605-203-4256 today or schedule an appointment online to discuss how cataract surgery could help you see clearly again.
