Sensory Perception and Vision

What is a sensory deficit?

Reduced function of a specific sense, such as hearing loss. Interventions focus on using intact senses and functional visual or hearing aids.

What is sensory deprivation?

Inadequate quality or quantity of meaningful sensory input, such as prolonged isolation. Nursing care emphasizes orientation cues and structured conversation.

What is sensory overload?

Environmental input exceeds the individual's processing capacity, such as multiple alarms and simultaneous conversations. Nursing priorities include reducing background noise and giving simplified, single-step instructions.

What is myopia?

A condition in which distant objects appear blurry while near vision remains clearer.

What is hyperopia?

A condition in which near vision is compromised and distant objects are easier to focus on.

What is astigmatism?

A condition caused by uneven focal points that distort or blur vision at all distances.

What is presbyopia?

Age-related loss of accommodation that reduces the ability to focus up close, making small print hard to read.

What is a cataract?

Clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye, causing glare, hazy vision, and faded color perception. Often linked to aging or prolonged diabetes.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Damage to the retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes. Early stages may be asymptomatic.

What is glaucoma?

A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often with elevated intraocular pressure as a major risk factor. It can also occur at normal pressure levels.

What is tonometry?

A diagnostic test that measures the pressure inside the eye, which is crucial for identifying glaucoma.

What is pachymetry?

The process of measuring the thickness of the cornea, which is important for evaluating glaucoma risk and planning refractive surgery.

What is visual field testing?

A test that assesses peripheral (side) vision, often using automated equipment, to detect vision loss that could indicate nerve damage or retinal disease.

What are prostaglandin analogs?

A class of medications that lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma by increasing aqueous outflow from the eye.

What are beta-blockers?

A type of medication that reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humor in the eye.

What is laser therapy for glaucoma?

A glaucoma treatment technique, such as laser trabeculoplasty, that improves fluid drainage from the eye.

What are surgical options for glaucoma?

Surgical glaucoma treatments, such as trabeculectomy or implantation of a drainage device, that enhance fluid outflow and reduce intraocular pressure.

What is aqueous humor?

The fluid inside the front part of the eye that is produced and drained to maintain intraocular pressure.

What is intraocular pressure?

The pressure inside the eye, which is a major risk factor for glaucoma when elevated.

What is trabeculectomy?

A surgical procedure for glaucoma that creates a new drainage channel to lower intraocular pressure.

What are the risk factors for cataracts?

Risk factors include aging, prolonged exposure to UV light, certain medications, and systemic diseases such as diabetes.

What are key bedside teaching strategies for vision impairment?

Use glare-free light, high-contrast large print, and the patient's visual aid. Avoid backlighting your face.

What are key bedside teaching strategies for hearing impairment?

Face the patient, reduce noise, use a lower pitch, rephrase as needed, use written material, and use teach-back.