A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that, if left untreated, can lead to decreased vision and potential blindness. This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying symptoms, managing complications, and supporting patients through treatment and recovery.
Causes (Related to)
Cataracts can develop due to various factors that affect the eye’s lens structure and clarity:
- Age-related changes in lens proteins
- Chronic medical conditions, especially diabetes
- Prolonged exposure to UV radiation
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Medication-related factors such as:
- Long-term corticosteroid use
- Certain antipsychotic medications
- Some diuretics
- Systemic conditions including:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Traumatic injury to the eye
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Cataracts present with characteristic signs and symptoms that nurses must recognize for proper assessment and care planning.
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Gradually worsening vision
- Glare sensitivity
- Double vision in the affected eye
- Colors appearing faded or yellowed
- Difficulty reading
- Problems with night vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Decreased visual acuity
- Clouding or opacity of the lens
- Impaired depth perception
- Reduced contrast sensitivity
- Changed color perception
- Altered pupillary response
- Difficulty performing activities of daily living
Expected Outcomes
The following outcomes indicate successful management of cataracts:
- The patient will maintain safety in daily activities
- The patient will demonstrate proper use of visual aids
- The patient will verbalize understanding of the condition
- The patient will comply with the treatment plan
- The patient will maintain independence in ADLs
- The patient will experience a successful surgical outcome if surgery is chosen
- The patient will demonstrate proper post-operative care
Nursing Assessment
Evaluate Visual Function
- Assess visual acuity
- Monitor for changes in vision
- Document glare sensitivity
- Check depth perception
- Evaluate color recognition
Assess Safety Risks
- Evaluate home environment
- Check mobility status
- Assess fall risk
- Document lighting conditions
- Monitor medication management ability
Review Medical History
- Document existing conditions
- Note current medications
- Check family history
- Review lifestyle factors
- Assess risk factors
Monitor for Complications
- Check for signs of injury
- Assess for depression
- Monitor independence level
- Evaluate coping mechanisms
- Document support systems
Evaluate Knowledge Level
- Assess understanding of the condition
- Check knowledge of treatment options
- Review self-care abilities
- Document learning needs
- Evaluate readiness for surgery
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Risk for Injury
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Injury related to visual impairment as evidenced by decreased visual acuity and impaired depth perception.
Related Factors:
- Altered visual acuity
- Impaired depth perception
- Environmental hazards
- Decreased contrast sensitivity
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Perform environmental safety assessment
Rationale: Identifies and eliminates potential hazards - Implement fall prevention measures
Rationale: Reduces risk of accidents and injuries - Teach safe mobility techniques
Rationale: Promotes independence while maintaining safety
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will remain free from injury
- The patient will demonstrate safe mobility practices
- The patient will maintain a safe environment
Nursing Care Plan 2: Disturbed Sensory Perception
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Disturbed Sensory Perception (Visual) related to lens opacity as evidenced by reported difficulty with daily activities and decreased visual acuity.
Related Factors:
- Progressive lens changes
- Altered sensory reception
- Changed visual stimuli interpretation
- Environmental factors
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess visual capabilities regularly
Rationale: Monitors progression and adapts interventions accordingly - Provide appropriate lighting
Rationale: Enhances visual perception and reduces glare - Teach compensatory techniques
Rationale: Promotes independence and safety
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will utilize compensatory techniques effectively.
- The patient will maintain maximum visual function
- The patient will adapt to visual changes successfully
Nursing Care Plan 3: Self-Care Deficit
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Self-Care Deficit related to visual impairment as evidenced by difficulty performing activities of daily living.
Related Factors:
- Decreased visual acuity
- Impaired mobility
- Reduced independence
- Safety concerns
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess the level of independence
Rationale: Determines the appropriate level of assistance needed - Teach adaptive techniques
Rationale: Promotes maximum independence - Arrange an environment to support self-care
Rationale: Facilitates safe performance of ADLs
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain an optimal level of independence
- The patient will demonstrate safe self-care techniques
- The patient will utilize adaptive devices appropriately
Nursing Care Plan 4: Knowledge Deficit
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Knowledge Deficit related to unfamiliarity with cataract management as evidenced by questions about condition and treatment options.
Related Factors:
- Limited exposure to information
- Misunderstanding of condition
- Anxiety about treatment
- Complex medical terminology
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide education about the condition
Rationale: Increases understanding and compliance - Explain treatment options
Rationale: Facilitates informed decision-making - Demonstrate care techniques
Rationale: Enhances learning and skill development
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will verbalize understanding of the condition
- The patient will make informed treatment decisions
- The patient will demonstrate proper care techniques
Nursing Care Plan 5: Anxiety
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Anxiety related to vision loss and potential surgical intervention as evidenced by expressed concerns and apprehension.
Related Factors:
- Fear of vision loss
- Surgical concerns
- Lifestyle changes
- Treatment uncertainty
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess anxiety level
Rationale: Determines appropriate interventions - Provide emotional support
Rationale: Reduces anxiety and promotes coping - Teach relaxation techniques
Rationale: Helps manage stress and anxiety
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate reduced anxiety
- The patient will utilize effective coping strategies
- The patient will express confidence in the treatment plan
References
- Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2023). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
- Hadavand MB, Heidary F, Heidary R, Gharebaghi R. Role of ophthalmic nurses in prevention of ophthalmic diseases. Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol. 2013 Winter;2(4):92-5. PMID: 24822227; PMCID: PMC4017631.
- Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C. (2024). NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses – Definitions and Classification, 2024-2026.
- Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
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- Sharbini, S., Hashim, S. B. H., Abdul-Mumin, K. H., & McKenna, L. (2025). Ophthalmic care education and training in nursing: A scoping review. Nurse Education Today, 144, 106484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106484
- Silvestri, L. A. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
