Cataract Surgery

1. Definition of "cataract."

1. It is a clouding of the lens of the eye, causing loss of vision.

2. The cataract causes the pupil of the eye to appear gray or white instead of black.

2. Factors that increase the risk of cataract surgery.

1. Advanced age.

2. Diabetes mellitus.

3. Trauma.

4. Radiation.

5. Congenital factors.

6. Drugs.

3. Signs and symptoms of cataracts.

1. Blurred vision.

2. Headaches.

3. Gray or white opacity over the pupil.

4. Progressive loss of vision.

4. How to prevent injury after surgery.

1. Wear eye patch when sleeping for at least a month.

2. Assess environment and remove clutter to prevent client falling or bumping the eye. (Refer to Safety/Potential for Injury to the Elderly Teaching Guide.)

3. Avoid straining at stool.

4. Avoid vomiting.

5. Avoid bending over.

6. Avoid heavy lifting.

7. Avoid touching eyes or rubbing the eyes.

8. Avoid sleeping on the affected side.

9. Avoid sneezing and coughing.

5. Symptoms of possible complications of cataract surgery.

1. Visual changes.

2. Severe pain.

3. Increased redness or drainage.

4. Persistent headaches.

5. Fever.

6. How to instill eye drops as prescribed.

1. Wash hands before and after installation.

2. Instill drops onto conjunctiva.

3. Do not touch eye with the eyedropper.

7. How to determine the need for corrective contact lenses or glasses.

1. Contact lenses.

1. Images are magnified 7-10%.

2. Care of contacts needs to be learned.

2. Glasses.

1. Images will be magnified 30%.

2. Peripheral vision may be limited or distorted.

8. Possible complications of cataract surgery.

1. Hemorrhage.

2. Corneal edema.

3. Infection.

4. Corneal scarring.