Background: Cataract is considered as a significant global health problem and represents the
most important cause of visual impairment worldwide. Extraction of cataract is a highly
effective surgical procedure to improve quality of life. The nurse plays a major role through
identifying health needs and assessing care given after surgery. Aim: The present study aimed
to assess nurses' role regarding problems and needs encountered among postoperative cataract
patients. Research design: Descriptive exploratory design was utilized. Setting: The present
study conducted in Ophthalmology Department and Out Patient ophthalmology Clinics at
Zagazig University Hospitals. Sample: The study subject includes 100 patients with cataract
surgery from both sexes and with age ranging between 30-80 years. 36 nurses dealing with
postoperative cataract patients. Tools: Two tools used for data collection. First tool, Patient
interviewing sheet to assess patients' problems and needs after cataract surgery, the second
tool was Nurse Questionnaire sheet to assess nurses' performance for post operative cataract
patients. Results: The result of the present study showed that, Most of the studied patients
had serious problems after the surgery, while postoperative needs for the majority of them
weren't achieved. In addition, the majority of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of
practices, and about three quarters had satisfactory level of knowledge. Conclusion: The
study findings concluded that, No statistical significant difference between total patients'
needs and serious problems encountered studied patients. In addition, there was statistical
significant between total level of nurses' knowledge and their practices. Recommendations:
The main study recommendation included that, Pre-service and in-service training program
for the purpose of refreshing and updating the knowledge and practice of the nurses working
with ophthalmic surgical patients, and the proposed protocol of patients' needs management
that's evidence – based should be implemented and evaluated in relation to visual problems
post cataract surgery.
Key words: Cataract