Visual (Cataracts, Retinopathy & Detached Retina) Flashcards
This type of patient usually suffers from retinopathy:
Diabetic patient (due to micro-vascular changes)
Cataract surgery is not the most common surgery for Americans that are 65 years+
True or False
False- Cataracts surgery is the most common surgery for Americans, 65 and older
Describe how a patient with cataracts might visualize something compared to someone with normal vision:
Consistently fuzzy, cloudy- like there is vasoline on the eye
The issue with the cataracts is related to:
a. the pupil
b. the retina
c. the lens
d. the sclera
c. the lens
T/F
Facts about the lens include:
1. it sits in front of the pupil
2. it changes shape as needed to help focus an image
3. Along with the ________, the lens helps the eye accommodate
4. Due to the Len’s __________, it can focus on something far away and then shift to something closer
F 1. it sits behind the pupil
2. it changes shape as needed to help focus an image
3. Along with the cornea, the lens helps the eye accommodate
4. Due to the Len’s pliability, it can focus on something far away and then shift to something closer
As someone ages, what occurs with the lens that leads to cataracts?
- the lens becomes _____ and _______
- decreased visual ______
- decreased a__________
- the lens becomes cloudy and stiff
- decreased visual acuity
- decreased accommodation
Glare that is due to light scatter caused by the opacities is called ____ ____.
Flood Glare
Nonsurgical care to help with cataracts include:
Palliative measures:
- adjust glasses prescription
- increase lighting for reading and close-up work/activity
- day driving (to reduce the chance of evening glares)
Reasons why surgery may become an option for a cataracts patient include:
- When decreased vision acuity/accommodation impede safety
- When palliative measures are no longer satisfactory
- If the lens is causing an increased IOP
- If the lens opacity prevents monitoring of the retina in high-risk patients (ex: the diabetic patient)
In the diabetic patient, due to micro-vascular changes, it is difficult to view the retina because of cataracts:
True or False
True. Cataracts makes it difficult to see the retina.
Cataract Surgery
Name 5 pre-op medications the RN may administer:
- Mydriatic drops
- Cycloplegic drops
- NSAID drops
- Anxiety Meds
- Topical antibiotic - may be ordered prophylactically
Myotic drops ____ pupils.
constrict
Mydriatic drops ____ pupils.
dilates
*remember the “d” in Mydriatic and in dilates can help you remember these go together.
When do you give the mydriatic drops?
prior to the surgery so the doctor can see
Why is it helpful to decrease room lights when given mydriatic drops?
Because photophobia is common
What is important to remember with mydriatic drops?
- To avoid systemic effects
- It can produce significant cardiovascular effects
What do cycloplegic drops cause?
Paralysis of accommodation (it paralyzes the eyeball)
What is an important medical history consideration before Cataract surgery?
If the patient has closed (narrow) angle glaucoma, you can not give dilating eye drops. Closing the angle can increase IOP