GLAUCOMA & CATARACTS Flashcards

GLAUCOMA

increased IOP pressure (IOP is aqueous humor)
increased IOP results from inadequate drainage of aqueous humor
*causes damage to optic nerve and ischemic drainage
2nd leading cause of blindness in US

GLAUCOMA RISK FACTORS

family
HTN/Diabetes
over age 40
history of eye problems

GALUCOMA MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

NO CURE
eye drops or surgery

GLAUCOMA S/S

scotomas
loss of peripheral vision
blurred vision, aching
poor vision in dim light

GLAUCOMA NURSING CARE

self care
medications

GLAUCOMA ASSESSMENT

establish diagnosis, assess optic nerve damage and formulate
treatment plan
obtain ocular history

WHAT MEDICATIONS FOR GLAUCOMA HELP DECREASE AQUEOUS HUMOR PRODUCTION?

beta blockers
alpha andrengic agonist
carbonic anhydrase inhibitor

WHAT MEDICATIONS FOR GLAUCOMA INCREASE AQUEOUS HUMOR OUTFLOW?

cholinergics
prostaglandin analogues

OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA

optic nerve damage- decrease visual acuity
gradual loss of peripheral vision that creates tunnel vision
IOP 22-32mmHg
its preventable, painless, and can cause permanent blindness

OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

decrease IOP by 25%
topical and oral agents PRN

CATARACTS

blurred vision, cloudy lens, reduce sharp image in retina

CATARACTS RISK FACTORS

smoking
steroids
sunlight
diabetes
obesity
increase triglycerides
eye injuries

CATARACTS S/S

painless, blurry vision
sensitivity to glare
reduce acuity

CATARACTS DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

snellen chart
opthalamoscope

CATARACTS MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

invasive surgery
intraocular lens
medications

CATARACTS NURSING MANAGEMENT

pre and post op care
educate patient about eye problem
med administration
when to obtain emergency care

CATARACTS SURGICAL TREATMENT

treat one eye at a time
minimally invasive outpatient surgery
topical anesthesia
lens must be replaced by intraocular lens, or aphakic glasses

CATARACT NURSING SURGICAL CARE

slightly morning discharge, redness, and scratchy feeling is normal
1st 3 days
wash hands before touching eye
wear eye patch for 24 hours and shield at night

CATARACTS PATIENT EDUCATION

do not lift anything more than 15 pounds
do not lie on affected eye the night after surgery
no bending over
no sex or driving
sunglasses during the day

CATARACTS MEDS AFTER SURGERY

antibiotics, corticosteroids, and anti inflammatory meds to prevent
infection and inflammation