Self-management of cataract extraction among diabetes patients

Abstract

Background: Diabetes-related cataract extraction is a minor surgery required to regain full vision. One of the recognized factors that can delay or prevent full-vision recovery is poor management, and most of this management is being carried out by patients themselves.Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of diabetes patients on self-management after cataract extraction in two tertiary hospitals in Osun State.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted among 97 diabetes patients who underwent cataract extraction and were attending clinics and follow-up visits in Osun State. A self-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Moderate knowledge was found among the participants on an appropriate diet (56.7%), prevention of injury risk (57.5%), prevention of infection risk (50.9%), and low knowledge on the technique of administration of eye drop (60.8%) after cataract extraction, whereas 74.7% of the total respondents were knowledgeable on the indication for follow-up visit after cataract extraction, these results were found to be below the expected knowledge level.Conclusion: An intensive and comprehensive educational initiative by nurses should be tailored to meet the specific needs of diabetes patients with cataract surgery. Nurses also need to implement the use of checklist which will enhance learning and improve patient understanding of self-management after cataract extraction.