title: No end in sight: the nurse's role in ensuring a holistic approach in the care of a patient undergoing a drainage implant for end-stage glaucoma.
abstract: This article addresses issues that relate to the surgical care of patients in imminent danger of permanently losing their eyesight as a result of advanced glaucoma. An overview of the stages of glaucoma and concurrent treatment is reviewed. Close attention is given to the psychosocial and physiologic ramifications of this end-stage surgical procedure. The nurse's role in assisting patients through this life crisis is essential to the patient's well being, lifestyle changes, and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Duffy
mesh_terms: D005901:Glaucoma / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D020327:Glaucoma Drainage Implants; D018939:Holistic Nursing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D011788:Quality of Life