The Eye Book: A Complete Guide to Eye Disorders and Health

by Cassel, Gary H.

• ISBN13: 9780801865206
• ISBN10: 0801865204
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-01-01
• Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESS

Summary

When all is well with our eyes, most of us take them for granted. But when our vision is blurred or our eyes are itchy and watery, it's hard to concentrate on anything but our eyes. In The Eye Book, three eye care specialists present a comprehensive reference to help readers care for their eyes and protect their vision, with special attention to changes and diseases that occur in the adult years. After detailing how the various parts of the eye work together so we can see, the authors review everything that can go wrong -- from myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism to the major disorders of cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. They also thoroughly describe each part of the eye and the problems that can develop, from the irritation of itchy eyelids and conjunctivitis to emergency situations such as a detached retina. They describe the signs and symptoms of all these problems and how to deal with them, including when to apply a warm compress -- and when to head to the emergency room. Medical and surgical treatment of both minor eye irritations and major diseases are explained in detail, so readers know where to turn and what to expect. The authors also tell readers what happens during an eye examination and how to recognize an eye emergency. They explain all about eyeglasses, including the various kinds of bifocals, and describe the care and maintenance of contact lenses in a way that makes wearing them a viable option for anyone who wishes to do so. They detail the special concerns of people with systemic diseases such as diabetes and indicate how common medications -- from antibiotics and antidepressants to tamoxifen -- affect the eyes. The pros and cons of refractive surgery are discussed, as are the special problems of people with low vision. An appendix lists medications used to treat eye conditions and the side effects of those medications. The book is fully illustrated with fifty-five line drawings and includes a symptoms index that will direct readers to sections of the book which describe the possible causes of the specific symptoms they are experiencing.

Author Biography

Gary H. Cassel, M.D., is an ophthalmologist in private practice as well as an instructor in ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. Michael D. Billig, O.D., is an optometrist and contact lens specialist in private practice. Harry G. Randall, M.D., is an ophthalmologist in private practice and assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

Table of Contents

List of Figures	ix
Foreword	xii
Morton F. Goldberg
Preface	xiv
PART I Introduction
A Guide to the Adult Eye	3	(18)
How Our Vision Changes over Time	21	(30)
PART II Getting to 20/20
The Eye Exam	51	(28)
All about Eyeglasses	79	(38)
Contact Lenses: Everything You Need to Know	117	(57)
Refractive Surgery: Don't Discard Those Spectacles Just Yet	174	(17)
PART III The Big Problems for Aging Eyes
Cataracts	191	(53)
Glaucoma, the ``Silent Thief''	244	(47)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration	291	(22)
PART IV Other Eye Problems: Diagnosis and Treatment
The Eyelids	313	(16)
The Cornea	329	(13)
The Conjunctiva	342	(11)
The Complicated World of Tears	353	(19)
The Uvea: Iris, Ciliary Body, and Choroid	372	(6)
The Retina and Vitreous	378	(18)
The Optic Nerve	396	(11)
PART V Other Things You Need to Know
Eye Trauma and Emergencies	407	(12)
General Health Problems That Can Affect the Eyes	419	(57)
Coping with Low Vision	476	(16)
Common Medications That Affect the Eyes	492	(13)
Appendix A Guide to Eye Medications and Their Side Effects	505	(33)
Signs and Symptoms Index	538	(8)
General Index	546