NURS 0123 MED SURG MOD 8|complete latest solution guide.

Changes in the Eye and Vision Related to Aging Structure/Function Change Implication Appearance Eyes appear “sunken” Arcus senilis forms Sclera yellows or appears blue Do not use eye appearance as an indicator for hydration status Reassure patient that this change does not affect vision Do not use sclera to assess for jaundice Cornea Cornea flattens, which blurs vision and can cause or worsen astigmatism Encourage older adults to have regular eye exams and wear prescribed corrective lenses for best vision Ocular Muscles Muscle strength is reduced, making it more difficult to maintain an upward gaze or a focus on a single image Reassure patient that this is a normal finding and to refocus gaze frequently to maintain a single image Lens Elasticity is lost, increasing the near point of vision Encourage use of corrective lenses for reading Iris and Pupil Decrease in ability to dilate results in small pupil size and poor adaptation to darkness Teach that good lighting is needed to avoid bumping into objects, tripping, and falling Color vision Discrimination among greens, blues, and violets decreases The patient may not be able to use color-indicator monitors of health status Tears Tear production is reduced, resulting in dry eyes, discomfort, and increased risk for corneal damage or eye infections Teach the proper use of saline eyedrops to reduce dryness Teach to increase humidity in the home MED SURG Chapter 42 Health Promotion and Maintenance  Eye care providers may recommend that adults older than 40 have an eye exam annually that includes assessment of intraocular pressure and visual fields because the risk for both glaucoma and cataract formation increases with age ACTION ALERT Teach adults to see a health care provider immediately when an eye injury occurs or an eye infection is suspected Physical Assessment  Look for head tilting, squinting, or other actions that indicate that the patient is trying to attain clear vision.  Patients with double vision may cock the head to the side to focus the two images into one, or they may close one eye to see clearly.  Exophthalmos (proptosis): o Protrusion of the eye  Enophthalmos: o The sunken appearance of the eye  Patients who wear corrective lenses are tested with and without their lenses. o Use of the Snellen eye chart to assess DISTANCE vision. o Rosenbaum or Jaeger is to assess NEAR vision.  Metal in the eye is an absolute contraindication for MRI