Which patient would the nurse identify as being at risk for developing cataracts?

Cataracts typically develop as a result of various risk factors, including aging, certain medical conditions, and eye injuries, among others. In this case, the individual who sustained an injury to the right eye after a car accident is particularly at risk for developing cataracts. Eye trauma can lead to changes in the lens of the eye that may accelerate the formation of cataracts, often making them a significant concern in patients with a history of eye injuries. This association is well-documented, as injuries can cause inflammation and changes in protein structure in the lens, increasing the likelihood of cataract formation.

The other patients listed, while having their own health concerns, do not specifically present the same level of direct risk for cataract development as the individual who experienced a significant eye injury. The newborn's unsuccessful vision examination signifies a need for further evaluation, the 45-year-old's symptoms may point to other issues unrelated to cataracts, and the 30-year-old's irregular supplement intake does not create a direct link to cataract risk in the same way that an eye injury does. Thus, the person who experienced an eye injury is clearly identified as being at risk for cataracts due to the mechanisms involved in post-traumatic lens changes.