title: Diabetic retinopathy.
abstract: The risk of blindness is 25 times greater in diabetics than nondiabetics. Medical, laser, and surgical interventions have the potential to enhance greatly the prognosis of maintaining useful vision throughout life. Patient education is paramount to improve comprehension of the condition, recommended treatment modalities, and compliance with prescribed regimens. Nursing assessments and interventions related to anxiety, discomfort, ineffective coping mechanisms, and immobility add a quality link in the multidisciplinary approach surrounding the delivery of care to patients with diabetic retinopathies.
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000145:classification / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000451:nursing; D008297:Male; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000451:nursing