Assessment and management of patients with eye and vision disorders

The ability to see the world clearly can easily be taken for

granted. The eye is a sensitive, highly specialised sense organ

subject to various disorders, many of which lead to impaired

vision. Impaired vision affects an individual's independence

in self-care, work and lifestyle choices, sense of self-esteem,

safety, abtltty to mteract with society and the environment,

and overall quality of life. Many of the leading causes of visual

impairment are associated with ageing (e.g. cataracts, glaucoma

and macular degeneration). Two-thirds of the population with

Impaired vision is older than 65 years of age. Younger people

are also at risk for eye disorders, particularly traumatic injuries.

Although most people with eye disorders are treated in

an day-only setting, many patients receiving healthcare have

an eye disease as a comorbid condition. In addition to understanding the prevention, treatment and consequences of eye

disorders, nurses in all settings should assess visual acuity

in those at risk (e.g. older patients, those with diabetes or

man Immunodeficiency virus [HIV]), refer patients to eye care specialists as appropriate, implement measures to prevent

further visual loss, and help patients adapt to impaired vision.