A nurse is caring for a client who reports a decrease in central vision. The nurse should identify that this is a manifestation of which of the following visual impairments?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not drive home after glaucoma surgery, as they will have reduced vision and increased sensitivity to light in the operated eye. The nurse should advise the client to arrange for someone else to drive them home.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not lie on the right side when going to bed, as this can put pressure on the operated eye and increase the risk of bleeding or infection. The nurse should advise the client to sleep on their back or on their left side.

Choice C reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client should report flashing lights, as this can indicate a complication such as retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage. The nurse should instruct the client to call the provider immediately if they see flashing lights.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because the nurse should not include this in the postoperative education to the client. The client should not nap on their left side when they get home, as this can cause fluid accumulation and increased intraocular pressure in the operated eye. The nurse should advise the client to elevate their head at least 30 degrees when resting.

Choice E reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client should avoid housework like vacuuming, as this can cause bending, lifting, or straining that can increase intraocular pressure and affect wound healing. The nurse should advise the client to limit physical activity and follow the provider's instructions on when to resume normal activities.

Choice F reason: This is correct because the nurse should include this in the postoperative education to
the client. The client may see flashes of light in the operated eye, as this is a normal phenomenon caused by stimulation of the retina by gas bubbles or fluid shifts. The nurse should reassure the client that flashes of light are normal and will subside over time.

Choice A Reason: This is correct because incorporating foods rich in vitamin C in the diet can help prevent or delay macular degeneration. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can protect the cells of the macula, which is the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision, from oxidative stress and damage. The nurse should also advise the client to consume foods rich in other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because receiving injections into the eye can help treat macular degeneration. Injections are a form of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, which can block abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the macula that can cause vision loss. The nurse should explain to the client how often and how long they need to receive injections and what side effects or complications they may experience.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because vision will not be restored after using eye drops for macular degeneration. Eye drops are not a proven or effective treatment for macular degeneration, which is a chronic and progressive condition that causes irreversible vision loss. The nurse should reinforce education by informing the client that eye drops may only provide temporary relief of dryness or irritation, but they will not improve or restore vision.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because vision will become progressively more blurry with macular degeneration. Macular degeneration can cause blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, or dark spots in the visual field. The nurse should educate the client on how to cope with vision loss and use adaptive devices, such as magnifiers, large-print books, or voice-activated technology.