Nursing role in caring and educating patients with diabetic retinopathy (3rd part ) بالانجليزية

       Nursing management of patients with diabetic retinopathy ( DR ) or other eye disorders involves executing the personalized care plan and providing patient education. Education emphasizes prevention through managing blood glucose levels, regular eye screenings, and eye caring. The nurse should also address the implications of eye examinations or test results with the patient. Monitoring and controlling serum lipid levels are also crucial. If the eye conditions worsen over time, the patient should be informed and prepared for possible vision loss.

       Additionally, it is important to notify the primary care physician about the results of the eye examination. Patients who cannot be treated with surgery and have limited access to management may require professional support, such as referrals for social services, counselling, or rehabilitation. Lastly, it is important to address patients with reduced vision by providing them with social services and vision rehabilitation programs.

      It is important to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and immediate treatment by educating both the patient and their family. The nurse should also help the patient cope with vision impairment and assist in using adaptive devices for managing diabetes and daily activities in the event of vision loss. Therefore, it is crucial to recommend teaching the patient Braille and providing training with a guide dog. This is particularly important for patients with other health issues or diabetes-related complications, those who live alone, struggle to cope, and have limitations that affect their ability to care for themselves. In some cases, home care referrals may be needed so that nurses can assess the patient's home environment and their ability to manage diabetes despite visual impairments. It is also important to educate family members on how to support the patient so they can maintain their independence despite worsening vision. 

Read more: see fourth part .................

References

Albaiuomy, M.E.,Bedier, N.A., & Abd El Hafeez, N.A. (2019). Self care practices among

         patients with diabetic retinopathy. IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 8(5),33-43. DOI: 

         10.9790/1959-0805103343.

Cheever, H., & Hinkle, L. (2014). Brunner&Suddarth’s textbook of Medical – Surgical Nursing (13TH

         ed.).Wolters Kluwer: Lippincots Williams & Wilkins.

Khan, S. (2007). Low vision rehabilitation and diabetic retinopathy. Saudi Journal of 

         Ophthalmology,21(3), 161-165 .

Knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic retinopathy amongst the diabetic patients of AlJouf and Hail Province of Saudi Arabia.(2016). Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research,10(5):05-08.

Shaban, M.E., Salem, Y. M., Bedier, N. A., Ghaleb, M. A., & Abou Shousha, M. A. (2021). 

         Effect of an educational intervention on self-care practices among patients with diabetic

         retinopathy.Alexandria Scientific Nursing Journal, 23(2), 22-38. DOI:

         10.21608/ASALEXU.2021.219100.

The International Council of Ophthalmology. (2017). ICO guidelines for diabetic eye care. Retrieved 

        from www.icoph.org/downloads/icoethicalcode.pdf.