PNS | DEHRADUN
Several factors including the conclusion of the Char Dham Yatra and the onset of the winter season have contributed to an increase in patient visits for cataract surgeries at the Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital.
Senior eye specialist at the hospital Dr Sushil Ojha said that the number of patients seeking cataract operations tends to rise each year from October. Compared to the summer months, there is a notable rise in the number of cataract procedures during the winter season. This trend is primarily due to the belief, particularly among the elderly, that winter is a more favourable time for cataract surgery due to a reduced risk of post-operative eye infections, which tend to be more prevalent in the summer due to increased sweating.
He said that another crucial factor contributing to the rise in cataract surgeries is the closure of the Char Dham Yatra during this period. Many residents of the mountainous regions refrain from travelling during the Char Dham Yatra, which may adversely affect their health. After the conclusion of the Yatra, residents of the Garhwal region begin to visit hospitals for cataract procedures, he said.
He further added that currently, the GDMC team, which comprises about 20 eye surgeons, conducts between 28 and 30 surgeries each day. He said that under the leadership of governor lieutenant general (Retd) Gurmit Singh, free screenings for eye diseases and cataract surgery camps have been commenced in 15 medical units across the State from December 25 to 31.
