P.T. Khaw and A.R. Elkington. 54 pp. Illust. BMJ Publishing Group, London. 1995. Distributed in Canada by the Canadian Medical Association, Ottawa. $40.50 ($33.75 CMA members). Prices include shipping and handling. ISBN 0-7279-0766-2
The most commonly seen ophthalmologic problems - starting with the basics of an eye examination - are covered in short chapters. A chapter called "The Red Eye" outlines common and important causes of red eyes and supplies excellent clinical photographs; this section emphasizes the conduct of an examination without the use of specialized equipment. This is followed by a summary of common eyelid disorders, which is clearly illustrated and easy to follow. The chapter on trauma covers frequently seen injuries, including the basic mechanism of injury.
The coverage of cataracts, refractive errors and glaucoma includes straightforward explanations of current treatments, recent surgical advances and refractive-surgery techniques. Strabismus is also presented in an easily understood format, with a discussion of the most commonly encountered clinical situations.
The difficult subject of visual loss is tackled in two chapters on acute loss and gradual loss. The first, on acute visual loss, is prefaced by a helpful schematic diagram of the potential sites of pathologic processes. Unfortunately, because this is a British book, the sections on support for visually impaired people pertain to Britain only.
The book ends with a treatise on general medical disorders and disorders of the central nervous system that affect the eye, with special emphasis on diabetes mellitus.
Overall, the book is excellent. It accomplishes its purpose, to present clearly the ABCs of ophthalmology. Readers will not need to burn the midnight oil to get through this book.
Catherine Entwistle, MD, FRCSC
Ottawa, Ont.