Nursing care of the cataract patient: today's outpatient approach.

Total cataract patient care encompasses nursing assessment, clinical management, emotional support, and the accessibility of the nurse to the patient. Because ophthalmic nurses develop a close relationship with the cataract patient, they are often the first health care professional the patient calls for advice. Patient education and adequate time to listen and respond are integral components in an outpatient cataract surgical approach. All aspects of the nursing care of the cataract patient provide challenge and satisfaction as the ophthalmic registered nurse experiences surgery with the patient and supervises the return to improved vision and quality of life. The nurse must always remember that there is a whole person attached to the eye. Although ophthalmic nursing is specialized and highly technical, patience, empathy, and encouragement are essential in the care of the patient before, during, and after cataract surgery.