Case Study
The practitioner is performing a routine examination of a 78-year-old male patient. The patient has a history of diabetes mellitus and worked as a farmer most of his life. The patient denies any history of vision problems during the examination. A visual examination using the Snellen chart demonstrates a decrease in overall visual acuity. Upon further questioning, the patient reports that he no longer drives at night because of a glare. The patient wears corrective lenses. The practitioner advises the patient to see his optometrist or ophthalmologist to follow up on the findings of the examination because the practitioner suspects cataracts.
Questions:
1. What risk factors does the patient have for the development of cataracts?
2. What are the possible differential diagnoses for the patient’s condition?
3. When the patient asks about treatment options for cataracts, what should the practitioner tell the patient?
4. What impact could the patient’s diabetes mellitus have on the cataract surgery?
5. When the patient asks whether there are any supplements or vitamins he could take to treat his cataracts, how should the practitioner respond?
Please use at least 2 peer-reviewed evidence-based references to support answers
Please use correct APA 7th ed format
