Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment of Cataracts

Abstract

Cataract is a global disease that may cause blindness. Due to the slow pace of disease progression, patients often presume incorrectly that their blurred vision is caused by excessive fatigue or lack of sleep. In addition to their role in causing blindness, cataracts that are diagnosed late into their progression are more difficult to treat with corrective surgery. Furthermore, many older individuals believe incorrectly that declines in vision are part of the natural course of aging and accept these declines as inevitable. Reduced vision has a significant and negative effect on quality of life. Although aging is one of the main causes of cataracts, other major factors include common chronic diseases and the side effects of drugs. In addition, lifestyle factors such as diet, activity, and environmental exposure to ultraviolet rays and radiation are factors in cataract development. Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts currently available. Healthcare professionals not only consider a patient's background but also whether surgery may promote quality of life. While preoperative evaluation requires a holistic and comprehensive approach, postoperative care is also important to the overall success of cataract surgery. For example, instructions in topical-drop application, wound assessment, and symptoms of comorbidities are crucial for patients. Therefore, a critical literature review was used in this article to establish a strategy for the holistic evaluation of and perioperative nursing care and prevention strategies for cataracts. In addition, recommendations for the comprehensive assessment of and nursing care for patients with cataracts are provided to healthcare professionals article in hopes of improving the quality of care provided to patients with cataracts.