book reviews

Book Reviews

The Hospital for Sick Children�s Atlasof Pediatric Ophthalmology and StrabismusEdited by Alex V. Levin and Thomas W. Wilson,Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. 530 Walnut Street.Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. 320 pages.Hardbound. Illustrated. 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0781743099. $179.00.

The Hospital for Sick Children�s Atlas of Pediatric

Ophthalmology and Strabismus, edited by Alex V.

Levin and Thomas W. Wilson, is based upon the

work of 20 contributing authors all of whom are from

the University of Toronto, Canada, except for Dr

Thomas W. Wilson who is from Danville, PA, USA.

Before reading the text, we recommend reading the

preface of the book because Drs Levin and Wilson

explain the background of the Hospital for Sick

Children, also called ‘‘SickKids’’, which was founded

in 1875 and now has ‘‘become one of the largest

children�s hospitals in the world.’’ All of the con-

tributors were once fellows at the Hospital for Sick

Children and this textbook is their tribute to their

teachers and this prestigious hospital in which they

trained.

The text contains relatively short chapters and

is divided into two general sections: Isolated

Pediatric Eye Disorders and Ocular Manifestations of

Systemic Disease. The first section consists of

11 chapters which are ‘‘subdivided based upon the

anatomical location of the disease’’ such as

strabismus, lids and adnexa, lacrimal, conjunctiva,

cornea, iris and pupils, lens, retina and vitreous, optic

nerve, glaucoma, and orbit. The second section

illustrates ‘‘ocular manifestations of systemic disease’’

and discusses issues such as child abuse, chromo-

somes, craniofacial, dermatology, endocrine, gastro-

intestinal, hematology, infectious diseases, metabolic,

neurologic, vitamins, phakomatoses, psychiatric,

pulmonary, renal, rheumatology, skeletal, and

syndromes.

The strength of The Hospital for Sick Children�sAtlas of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus lies

in the pictures shown within the text. Each chapter is

prefaced by a very brief written discussion meant to

provide pertinent background details. From there, the

written discussion is effectively supplemented by

excellent photographs. Every photograph is capti-

vating, telling a detailed story within its borders.

Some are ocular photographs, while others may in-

clude the face and even some other body parts, which

are useful for diagnosis. The captions associated with

each photograph add a great deal of background

information despite their brevity.

Moving through text, it becomes clear that the

physicians took great care to accurately document

significant cases. Overall, the text is not only highly

educational, but is also extremely exciting since these

cases are not ones that most doctors see on a daily

basis. Ophthalmologists, residents, and general prac-

titioners will find this book very helpful in the diag-

nosis and treatment of young children who fall under

the topics discussed in the text.

Richard J. Fugo and Jennifer A. Fugo

Evidence-Based Eye CareEdited by Peter J. Kertes and T. Mark Johnson,Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. 530 Walnut Street.Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. 336 pages.Hardbound. Illustrated. 2006. ISBN-13:978-0781769648. $99.00.

Many times in ophthalmology, we find ourselves

using medications or techniques that we believe are

helpful in treating patients. Inevitably, there exist

opposing viewpoints on the efficacy of the treatment

or therapy. The proponents and critics of new tech-

nology are forced to search out clinical trials to sub-

stantiate their claims. Clinical trials needed to supply

Richard J. Fugo, MD, PhD

ANN OPHTHALMOL. 2007;39 (4) ..............................................354

quantitative data must be based on sound, experi-

mental design and analyzed using sound statistical

principles in order to derive the true value of a given

modality. Such clinical trials are the basis for

Evidence-Based Eye Care. The editors, Peter J. Ker-

tes, MD, CM, FRCS, and T. Mark Johnson, MD,

FRCS, developed the text with 23 experienced au-

thors who have ‘‘an academic and clinical interest in

his or her particular subspecialty’’ and thus provide

knowledgeable perspectives to each chapter.

The book is separated into eight sections: clinical

epidemiology and health economics, cornea/external

disease, glaucoma, retina, pediatric ophthalmology,

ocular oncology, neuro-ophthalmology, and oculo-

plastics. Fromhere, each section is further broken down

into 16 distinct chapters. Each chapter presents relevant

information and then provides a brief discussion on the

chapter. Good quality photographs and detailed charts

are well-placed and effective in emphasizing critical

points. The writing styles do vary from chapter to

chapter due to the large number of contributing au-

thors, but the editors have done a good job of main-

taining a certain level of uniformity within the text.

We�d like to take a moment in order to highlight

Chapter 1: Clinical Epidemiology, because it provides

the cornerstone of information for designing and

creating a controlled study. The information pre-

sented is vitally important in the creation of a scientific

paper or FDA report and for running a proper clinical

trial. The issues of experimental design, appraising the

validity of a clinical trial, and interpretation of results

are all discussed within the chapter and are definitely

of major-league importance. This is a superb chapter,

and it should be reviewed by every ophthalmologist

who has a thought of performing scientific research.

Inevitably, the weakness of most scientific papers is

that many physicians are not familiar with the mate-

rial presented in Chapter 1.

In summation, Evidence-Based Eye Care is one of

those definitive books that allow us to evaluate vari-

ous technologies that are available to the ophthalmic

community ‘‘based on the facts from well-designed,

controlled studies.’’ As previously stated, all oph-

thalmologists who have any interest in writing scien-

tific papers or other documents for institutions such

as the FDA should definitely read this text. Residents

will also derive a great deal of insight from the

information provided. Evidence-Based Eye Care is a

book that fills a niche of evaluating products or

techniques in a truly objective major way.


Optic Nerve Disorders (OphthalmologyMonograph Series. 2nd Edition)Edited by Lanning B. Kline and Rod Foroozan,Oxford University Press, 198 Madison Avenue,New York, NY 10016, USA. 258 pages. Hardbound.Illustrated. 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0195312812.$79.95.

Optic Nerve Disorders, 2nd Edition is a new text edited

by Lanning B. Kline and Rod Foroozan that attempts

to reintroduce the nervous system via the optic nerve

to the ophthalmologist. The preface reminds the

reader that there is an intimate link between the eye

and the central nervous system. Since the book was

published over a decade ago, the editors felt it neces-

sary to provide their readers with not only ‘‘a handy

reference to assist in both diagnosis and management

of a wide variety of optic nerve disorders’’, but also to

‘‘publish an up-to-date guide to the relevant literature

on clinical diseases of the optic nerve.’’

The book�s layout is similar in style to the first edition

in that Chapter 1 reviews the major anatomic aspects of

the optic nerve. Chapter 2 goes over basic information

stressing the importance of patient history and carefully

performed ophthalmologic examinations. Chapters 3

through9 cover themajor clinical disorders affecting the

optic nerve, and, finally, Chapter 10presents a summary

of optic neuropathies not easily categorized. The chap-

ters are as follows:Anatomy and Physiology of the Optic

Nerve, Clinical Testing of Optic Nerve Function, Papil-

ledema, Optic Neuritis, Ischemic Optic Neuropathy,

Compression of the Anterior Visual Pathways, Develop-

mental and Hereditary Optic Nerve Disorders, Toxic and

Nutritional Optic Neuropathy, Traumatic Optic Neu-

ropathy, andMiscellaneousOpticNeuropathies. In total,

there are nine contributors to the text.

Each chapter is laid out in a logical and navigable

fashion with an abundance of monochrome and color

photographs, charts, tables, and illustrations. In fact,

the colored illustrations are superb and add a pow-

erful visual aspect to the subject matter.

In summation,Optic Nerve Disorders, 2nd Edition is

an important text for any ophthalmologist and resi-

dent. The information found within this short book is

extremely valuable since it is applicable to patients

who are seen everyday in one�s office. To be able to

spot and understand a problem with the optic nerve

provides tremendous advantage to both physician and

patient. We applaud the editors for revamping and

updating this text in such a splendid fashion.


ANN OPHTHALMOL. 2007;39 (4) ..............................................355

Surgical Techniques in Anterior and PosteriorLamellar Corneal SurgeryEdited by Thomas John, Jaypee Bros MedicalPublishing, B-3 EMCA House, 23/23B Ansari Road,Daryaganj Post Box 7193, New Delhi 110002,India. 687 pages. Hardbound. Illustrated.2006. ISBN-13: 978-8180616051.

Surgical Techniques in Anterior and Posterior Lamel-

lar Corneal Surgery, edited by Dr Thomas John, is

one of the most impressive texts for a subspecialty

topic. Written with the expert corneal surgeon in

mind, the text explores the multitude of new tech-

niques that have been developed as lamellar corneal

surgery has resurfaced thanks to the tremendous

interest of corneal surgeons. Assembling an impres-

sive group of international surgical experts, Dr John

presents a comprehensive book that may very well be

the ‘‘gold standard’’ on the topic.

At 687 pages in length, Surgical Techniques in

Anterior and Posterior Lamellar Corneal Surgery

presents a diverse group of 103 contributing authors

sharing their various ‘‘expert’’ opinions and tech-

niques. As mentioned previously, the text is an

international collaborative work representing 18

countries. The information herein is intelligently

divided into 63 chapters that contain over 1,100

figures and images. These visuals are key to achieving

an extremely comprehensive text with a strong

educational impact.

Ten sections round out this text, namely Corneal

Structure, Overview of Lamellar Keratoplasty, Optical

Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty, Optical Posterior

Lamellar Keratoplasty, Tectonic and Therapeutic

Lamellar Keratoplasty, Pediatric Lamellar Keratopl-

asty, Lamellar Keratoplasty After Refractive Surgery,

Amniotic Membrane in Lamellar Keratoplasty,

Lamellar Surgery in Artificial Cornea, and Specific

Issues.

Each section logically divides the 63 chapters of the

book according to their respective topics. Sub-divid-

ing the information in this way allows the reader to

quickly focus on pertinent areas. Skimming the

contents page, one can see that each chapter gives the

author�s respective country. This helpful aspect gives

the reader a clearer picture the author(s) origin, which

may impact a practice preference.

Upon reading through the text, the reader will find

the information layout to be consistent and logical.

Dr John has done a herculean job editing this massive

information pool while retaining a consistency of

excellence throughout the 63 chapters from 103 con-

tributors. Each chapter includes a multitude of pho-

tographs, tables, and diagrams that clarify and add

dimension to the discussed information. In addition,

a series of photographic diagrams of the necessary

surgical instruments are well-positioned throughout

the book.

As previously stated, Surgical Techniques in Ante-

rior and Posterior Lamellar Corneal Surgery is a

milestone in the literature on Lamellar Keratoplasty.

Dr John�s focus and dedication to this ever-evolving

and important topic shine through the pages of this

wonderful text. Surgical Techniques in Anterior and

Posterior Lamellar Corneal Surgery was an immense

undertaking that has set a high standard for all future

publications in this area to attain. Whether one is a

corneal expert, an ophthalmologist, or even an oph-

thalmic resident, Surgical Techniques in Anterior and

Posterior Lamellar Corneal Surgery is a must read for

the entire ophthalmic community. Thus, we leave you

with a quote from Dr Richard L. Lindstrom�s intro-duction to this text which best states how important

this textbook really is: ‘‘Fortunately, Thomas John

MD has dedicated himself to bring us a comprehen-

sive text on this rapidly evolving field. Through the

collaboration of a remarkable collection of surgeons

from throughout the world, Surgical Techniques in

Anterior Lamellar Corneal Surgery represents a com-

plete compilation of our knowledge regarding the art

and science of lamellar keratoplasty. I believe every

corneal surgeon will find this text an indispensable and

frequently referenced tool in their quest to preserve,

restore, and enhance their patients vision.’’


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