Nursing Care Plan for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can lead to progressive vision loss and blindness if left untreated. It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common ones include:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): This is the most common form of glaucoma. In POAG, the drainage angle of the eye becomes less efficient over time, leading to a gradual increase in intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: In angle-closure glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, resulting in a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this type of glaucoma, optic nerve damage and visual field loss occur despite normal intraocular pressure levels. The exact cause of normal-tension glaucoma is not fully understood.
Nursing Interventions for Glaucoma
1. Acute Pain r/t an increase in intraocular pressure.
Purpose : pain control / bone.
Expected results :
The patient said that the pain is reduced / lost.
Relaxed facial expression.
The patient demonstrates knowledge of assessment of pain control.
Planning :
a. Observation degree of eye pain.
Rational : identify progress / deviations from the expected results.
b. Encourage bed rest in a quiet room.
Rational : stress mental / emotional causes an increase in IOP.
c . Teach patient distraction techniques.
Rationale: helps in decreasing the perception / response to pain.
d. Collaboration of analgesics based on the program.
Rational : to reduce pain.
2. Disturbed Sensory Perception (specify : visual) related to the loss of peripheral sight.
Purpose : The use of optimum vision.
Expected results :
Patients participating in the treatment program.
Patients will maintain visual acuity field further.
Planning :
a. Assess the degree / type of vision loss.
Rational : to know the expectations of future clients and intervention options.
b. Encourage clients to express their feelings about the loss / possible loss of vision.
Rational : early intervention to prevent blindness, clients face the possibility / experience partial or total vision loss.
c. Indicate provision of eye drops, droplets counting example, follow a schedule, not one dose.
Rationale : Controlling IOP , prevent further vision loss.
d. Collaboration of drugs as indicated, for example, systemic osmotic agent.
Rational : to reduce IOP.