Objective To explore the impact of nursing based on temporal motivation theory on disease cognition and medication compliance behavior in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods A total of 195 DR patients were randomly divided into observation group (98 cases) and control group (97 cases) using the random number table method. The control group received routine nursing intervention for DR, while the observation group received nursing based on temporal motivation theory. Disease cognition, medication compliance behavior, visual function, and quality of life were compared between the two groups.

Results After the intervention, the total scores of the DR-related knowledge-attitude-behavior questionnaire, medication compliance behavior, the Quality of Life Scale for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients (DMQLS), and the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire (CLVQOL) in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group, while the total score of the Chinese version of the Indian Visual Function Questionnaire was lower than that in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Nursing based on temporal motivation theory can improve disease cognition and medication compliance behavior in DR patients, thereby enhancing their visual function and quality of life.