Cataracts

1. Describe the pathophysiology of cataracts. 

Stages 

Opacity of the lens 

2. Describe the signs and symptoms of persons experiencing cataracts 

Blurred vision 

Decreased color perception 

Photophobia 

Glare in bright light 

Cloudy lens 

3. Describe the causes of cataracts.  

Aging 

Trauma 

Toxic substance exposure including ultraviolet light 

Diabetes 

Smoking 

4. Describe common medical interventions for cataracts. 

ECCE 

ICCE 

Touch ups 

5. Describe nursing interventions for a patient undergoing cataract surgery. 

Pre- and post-operative care 

Home care instructions 

Glaucoma 6. Describe the pathophysiology of glaucoma. 

Open Angle 

Closed Angle 

7. Describe the surgical intervention, preoperative and postoperative care for patients undergoing ophthalmological surgery.

Glaucoma

Post-op complications

8. Summarize the action and uses of drug therapy for treating problems of the eyes and ears.

Glaucoma: β-Adrenergic Blockers, α-Adrenergic Agonists, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

9. Discuss factors affecting adherence to medication regimen.

Physiological 

Psychosocial 

10. Identify potential problems/nursing diagnoses related to visual impairment. 

Decreased mobility 

Loss of vision 

Injury 

Self-care deficit 

Sleep pattern disturbance 

Social isolation 

Decreased self-esteem 

Powerlessness 

Body image disturbance 

11. Describe nursing interventions to assist patients with impaired vision. 

Prevention 

Care of Eyes 

Referral to community resources: MAB  and CNIB 

Hearing Impairment12. Describe signs and symptoms associated with hearing loss in the elderly. 

 Faulty speech 

Inattentiveness, withdrawal 

Tinnitus 

Noise intolerance 

Vertigo 

Decreased speech perception 

High tone hearing loss 

13. Discuss contributing causes to hearing impairment.  

Aging process 

Diseases 

Infection 

Foreign objects 

Prolonged exposure to noise 

Medications 

14.. Discuss potential problems related to hearing impairment. 

Altered communication 

Isolation 

Safety issues 

Dependency 

15. Describe nursing interventions to assist the hearing impaired. 

Quiet environment, good lighting 

Position, speak slowly, voice tone/pitch 

Health teaching re: hearing aids,  including use of and maintenance 

Refer to community resources