You Are A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Working In An Eye S
You Are A Licensed Practical Nurse Lpn Working In An Eye Surgery Cen
You are a licensed practical nurse (LPN) working in an eye surgery center. A new client with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to the office, referred by their primary care provider. Consider the association between diabetes and eye diseases, and discuss the following questions: · Diabetes increases the risk of which eye diseases, and why? · What are additional risk factors for these eye diseases? · How can clients with diabetes reduce their risk of vision complications? use two professional references, published within the past 5 years 250 words.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
As a licensed practical nurse working in an eye surgery center, understanding the link between diabetes and eye health is crucial. Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2, can lead to various eye complications, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life if not detected and managed early. Educating patients on risk factors and preventive measures is an essential aspect of nursing care.
Diabetes and Eye Diseases
Diabetes primarily increases the risk for diabetic retinopathy, which is characterized by damage to blood vessels in the retina. Persistent high blood glucose levels cause vascular constriction and increased vascular permeability, resulting in hemorrhages, microaneurysms, and neovascularization (Cheung et al., 2018). Over time, these changes can lead to vision loss if untreated. Additionally, diabetes elevates the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts develop prematurely due to the accumulation of sorbitol within the lens, leading to clouding and impaired vision (Yau et al., 2019).
Additional Risk Factors
Apart from diabetes, other risk factors include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, prolonged duration of diabetes, and smoking. These factors exacerbate vascular damage and promote the progression of diabetic retinopathy and other ocular complications. Poor glycemic control also significantly increases the likelihood of developing vision-threatening eye diseases.
Preventive Strategies
Clients with diabetes can mitigate their risk through strict blood sugar control, maintaining blood pressure and lipid levels within target ranges, and regular eye examinations. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual comprehensive dilated eye exams for diabetic patients to detect early signs of retinopathy (American Diabetes Association, 2021). Lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and adherence to prescribed medications are equally vital. Health education plays a pivotal role in empowering patients to take proactive steps to protect their vision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diabetes substantially raises the risk for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, driven by vascular and metabolic disturbances. By understanding these associations and emphasizing preventive care, nurses can significantly contribute to preserving the vision and overall health of their diabetic patients.
References
Cheung, N., Mitchell, P., & Wong, T. Y. (2018). Diabetic Retinopathy. The Lancet, 376(9735), 124-136. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61454-0
Yau, J. W. Y., Rogers, S. L., Kawasaki, R., et al. (2019). Global prevalence and major risk factors of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care, 42(10), 1989-1999. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc19-0708