1. The client/caregiver will define macular degeneration.
    1. It is the breakdown or damage to the macula (located in retina) of the eye.
    2. It is a disease that gradually destroys sharp, central vision needed for reading and other activities.
    3. It is more common in aging adults.
    4. It usually occurs in both eyes.
  2. The client/caregiver can list symptoms of macular degeneration.
    1. Blurred or distorted vision is usually the first symptom.
    2. There is a color vision disturbance (become dimmer).
    3. There is difficulty reading or doing close work.
    4. There is a distortion of objects.
    5. There is vision in which the center (or bull’s eye) area is absent.
    6. Side vision is not affected.
  3. The client/caregiver can list causes or risk factors for macular degeneration.
    1. The greatest risk factor is age, especially over the age of 60 years.
    2. Women have a greater risk than men.
    3. Those with a family history of macular degeneration are at higher risk.
    4. Smoking and obesity may increase the risk.
  4. The client/caregiver can list lifestyle measures to reduce risk of developing disease.
    1. Eat healthy diet that is high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
    2. Do not smoke.
    3. Maintain a healthy weight.
    4. Maintain a normal blood pressure.
    5. Exercise.
  5. The client/caregiver can list measures to manage this disease.
    1. Comprehensive eye exam that includes
      1. Visual acuity testing measures how well you see at various distances.
      2. Dilated eye exam can reveal any damage to retina or optic nerve.
      3. Tonometry uses an instrument to measure pressure inside the eye.
      4. Amsler Grid Testing is specific for macular degeneration.
    2. Photocoagulation (laser surgery) or photodynamic therapy may be an option your physician will suggest if the condition is diagnosed early enough.
    3. Discuss with physician possibility of using specific supplement high in antioxidants. Use zinc to slow the progression of disease.
  6. The client/caregiver can list complications.
    1. Blindness

Resources

Macular Degeneration Partnershipwww.AMD.org
Occupational therapy consult
Low-vision specialist
National Eye Institute301-496-5248www.nei.nih.gov
Association for Macular Diseases212-605-3719

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. St. Louis: Mosby Inc.Lutz, C., & Przytulski, K. (2001). Nutrition and diet therapy. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.National Eye Institute. Age-Related Eye Disease Study (2001). Bethesda, MD. Available from: www.nei.nih.gov/amd/.Nutrition made incredibly easy. (2003). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Taylor, C., Lillis, C., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.www.jbpub.com

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