The Glaucoma Book (PDF)

The Glaucoma Book is both a comprehensive academic work with evidence-based science and exhaustive bibliographies, and an everyday, pragmatic guide for general ophthalmologists, optometrists, and resident physicians who need immediate answers while examining patients. Its 92 chapters and 38 sidebar essays range from conventional topics (e.g., open angle glaucoma, pigmentary dispersion syndrome, pediatric glaucomas) to those that have not previously appeared in a glaucoma text (e.g., medical-legal aspects of glaucoma care, doing community-based glaucoma research). Diagnostic tests and instrumentation, current and possible future medical therapies, and traditional and cutting-edge surgical interventions are thoroughly explored. The contributors come from well-known academic institutions and high-volume community based glaucoma practices. Photos, illustrations, and tables are sprinkled liberally throughout the book. The Glaucoma Book embodies the art and science of caring for glaucoma patients.

Unique features not found in other texts include:

*extensive sidebar essays by experts exploring cutting-edge subtopics within chapters

*latest laser treatments for glaucoma, including micro-diode and titanium sapphire trabeculoplasty, as well as external laser approaches and reduction of intraocular pressure by applying laser to the pars plana

*comprehensive coverage of the optic nerve, including thorough dis

*neuro-ophthalmological considerations, diagnostic procedures (e.g., MRI, CT), and other optic neuropathies to consider when examining the glaucoma patient

*combination of clinical science and basic science with expert commentary on the frontiers of future medical and surgical therapies that are likely to emerge for patient care

*an integrated approach to neovascular glaucoma, merging treatment from the anterior segment to the retina, the use of new anti-VEGF drugs, and the use of tubes and shunts to achieve the best surgical outcome

*exceptional advice on how to deal with the complications of various glaucoma surgeries by leading clinicians, as well as an outstanding chapter on trabeculectomy techniques for the general ophthalmologist

*the best written overview of visual fields in glaucoma bar none 

*a complete description of a comprehensive office-based examination of the glaucoma patient, including clinical pearls (e.g., gonioscopy, visual field analysis, digital image analysis (OCT, GDx, HRT) , optic nerve photography)

*contemporary issues and controversies about the importance of intraocular pressure (IOP)

*the drug development process--what really goes on at the FDA to bring new glaucoma medications from the lab bench to clinical use--and how the community-based practices can participate.