A cataract is a clouding or opacification of the normally clear lens of the eye or its capsule (surrounding transparent membrane) that obscures the passage of light through the lens to the retina of the eye. This blinding disease can affect infants, adults, and older people, but it predominates the latter group. It can be bilateral and vary in severity. The disease process progresses gradually without affecting daily activities early on, but with time, especially after the fourth or fifth decade, the cataract will eventually mature, making the lens completely opaque to light interfering with routine activities. Cataracts are a significant cause of blindness worldwide. Treatment options include correction with refractive glasses only at earlier stages, and if cataract mature enough to interfere with routine activities, surgery may be advised, which is very fruitful.
Cataracts are a common part of the eye’s aging process. Eventually, they can cause:
- Vision that’s cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy.
- Sensitivity to bright sunlight, lamps or headlights.
- Glare (seeing a halo around lights), especially when you drive at night with oncoming headlights.
- Prescription changes in glasses, including sudden nearsightedness.
- Double vision.
- Need for brighter light to read.
- Difficulty seeing at night (poor night vision).
- Changes in the way you see color.
Nursing Diagnosis for Pre and Post Cataract Surgery :
Pre Cataract Surgery :
1. Impaired sensory perception (vision): related to changes in sensory reception.
2. Anxiety related to lack of information about operating procedure.
Post Cataract Surgery :
1. Acute pain related to postoperative wounds.
2. Risk for infection related to increased susceptibility secondary, due to surgical interruption of the ocular surface.