This can simply be defined and opacity or cloudiness of the lense( a sensitive part of the eye which focus light rays onto the retina).

Types

• Nuclear cataract
• Cortical cataract
• Posterior capsular cataract
• Congenital cataract
• Secondary cataract
• Traumatic cataract
• Radiation cataract

Risk factors

• Toxic substance: Corticosteroids, smoking,chemicals.
• Nutritional Factors: Obesity and malnutrition.
• Physical Factors: Trauma, dehydration, Ultraviolet rays.
• Systemic diseases: Diabetes mellitus, renal disorders.l, hypertension.
• Occular conditions: Infections, Myopia,retinitis.
• Aging.

Signs and symptoms

• Painless blurry vision
• Reduced visual acuity
• Myopic shift
• Astigmatism
• Monocular diplopia.

Diagnostics Investigation

• Sneel’s Chart
• Opthalmoscopy
• Slit lamp biomicroscopic examination
• Physical examination
• History taking

Management

Non- Surgical: Eye drops, medication, Eyeglasses,contact use

Surgical: Intra-capsular cataract extraction, Pharmacoemulsification, Extra-capsular cataract extraction, Lense replacement.

Complications

• Retrobulbar haemorrhage
• Suprachoroidal haemorrhage
• Acute and chronic bacterial endophthalmitis
• Suture related problems

NURSING MANAGEMENT

Pre-Op

• History taking
• Withhold anticoagulant therapy e.g asprin and warfarin
• Alley anxiety
• Explain procedure to patient
• Get patient to sign consent form
• Obtain vital signs
• Conduct other necessary investigations
• Administer dilating drops

Post- op

• Ensure eye is padded
• Observe vital signs
• Check for airway patency
• Check for level of conscience
• Observe operation site for abnormality
• Pain management(give midratics for pain)
• Administer prescribed antibiotic eye drop
• Give soft and easily digestible food
• Educate patient on hygiene
• Avoid lying on affected eye
• Avoid lifting heavy objects
• Avoid stooping for a long time
• Wear protective eye patch day after surgery and eyes shield for 1-4 weeks

Care plan