Critical Thinking in Diagnosing Primary Open-angle Glaucoma: A Teaching Case Report

Aurora Denial OD, FAAO
Bridget Hendricks OD, MS, FAAO


Abstract

This paper will discuss the care of a patient with glaucoma over a period of time and how critical analysis influences the patient’s management. Glaucoma and ocular hypertension are common ocular conditions encountered by many eye care professionals. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Important critical thinking concepts, such as determining appropriate and relevant information, analyzing data, justifying a diagnostic conclusion, evaluating implications, and assessing the role of assumptions and point of view, are used in the analysis and discussion of the case. This case demonstrates the ambiguities and challenges of diagnosis, along with the use of evidence-based medicine, critical thinking, and the art of questioning.

Key Words: glaucoma, critical thinking, ocular hypertension


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