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Microsurgery of the Cornea. An Atlas and Textbook
250
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
made regarding the development of ret inal detachment following neodymiumYAG laser capsulotomy is convincing ev idence that the procedure is by no means noninvasive. G E O R G E L. SPAETH,
Philadelphia,
M.D.
Pennsylvania
REFERENCE 1. Spaeth, G. L. : Laser treatment is surgery. Ophthalmic Surg. 14:123, 1983.
BOOK REVIEWS Edited by H. Stanley Thompson, M. D.
Microsurgery of the Cornea. An Atlas and Textbook. By Joaquin Barraquer and Joaquin Rutlan. Barcelona, Ediciones Scriba, S.A., 1984. 400 pages, index, illustrated. $160.
Reviewed by MARK J. MANNIS
Sacramento,
California
The authors of this text have provided a sumptuous volume in the form of a photo graphic and diagrammatic atlas that re views the subject of surgery of the cornea and related topics. Produced in an over sized format, this text is elegant from its Dali dustcover and is highlighted by clear and simple surgical diagrams and a vast array of spectacular clinical photographs. The book is divided into 18 chapters dealing with embryology and anatomy, classification and indications for surgery, the eye bank, the biology of corneal graft ing, surgical instrumentation, and preoperative considerations. Beginning with Chapter 7, the remain der of the atlas deals directly with surgi cal techniques. These include peritomy,
AUGUST, 1984
keratectomy, conjunctivoplasty, lamellar keratoplasty, and penetrating keratoplasty. Each of these subjects is covered by first devoting a chapter to the specifics of surgical technique. These chapters are each followed by three chapters dealing with the normal postoperative course, the intraoperative complications, and the postoperative complications for that pro cedure. This updated English version in cludes advances that postdate the Span ish edition of the text, making this new edition as current as possible. The text does not include material on the bur geoning and highly technical field of re fractive keratoplasty, but rather limits itself to a thorough discussion of the many facets of established corneal and conjunctival surgery. Although the techniques recommended are those preferred by the authors, their recommendations are based on an enormous clinical experience which they share with their readers. The outstanding aspect of this atlas is the extraordinary combination of excel lent illustrations and superbly repro duced color plates. Unlike previous at tempts at surgical atlases, there is an effort to use space effectively by provid ing an accompanying text that is clear, pertinent, and adequate in scope. The bibliographies are suitable although not exhaustive. Both the specialized nature of this atlas and its price will not make it attractive to the clinician who does only occasional corneal surgery. It would, however, be a particularly noteworthy addition to the library of a corneal surgeon, and should most certainly be available in medical and ophthalmology departmental libraries. Ophthalmic Lasers. Current Clinical Uses. Edited by Wayne F. March. Thorofare, Slack Incorporated, 1984. 300 pages, index, illustrated. $60
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
made regarding the development of ret inal detachment following neodymiumYAG laser capsulotomy is convincing ev idence that the procedure is by no means noninvasive. G E O R G E L. SPAETH,
Philadelphia,
M.D.
Pennsylvania
REFERENCE 1. Spaeth, G. L. : Laser treatment is surgery. Ophthalmic Surg. 14:123, 1983.
BOOK REVIEWS Edited by H. Stanley Thompson, M. D.
Microsurgery of the Cornea. An Atlas and Textbook. By Joaquin Barraquer and Joaquin Rutlan. Barcelona, Ediciones Scriba, S.A., 1984. 400 pages, index, illustrated. $160.
Reviewed by MARK J. MANNIS
Sacramento,
California
The authors of this text have provided a sumptuous volume in the form of a photo graphic and diagrammatic atlas that re views the subject of surgery of the cornea and related topics. Produced in an over sized format, this text is elegant from its Dali dustcover and is highlighted by clear and simple surgical diagrams and a vast array of spectacular clinical photographs. The book is divided into 18 chapters dealing with embryology and anatomy, classification and indications for surgery, the eye bank, the biology of corneal graft ing, surgical instrumentation, and preoperative considerations. Beginning with Chapter 7, the remain der of the atlas deals directly with surgi cal techniques. These include peritomy,
AUGUST, 1984
keratectomy, conjunctivoplasty, lamellar keratoplasty, and penetrating keratoplasty. Each of these subjects is covered by first devoting a chapter to the specifics of surgical technique. These chapters are each followed by three chapters dealing with the normal postoperative course, the intraoperative complications, and the postoperative complications for that pro cedure. This updated English version in cludes advances that postdate the Span ish edition of the text, making this new edition as current as possible. The text does not include material on the bur geoning and highly technical field of re fractive keratoplasty, but rather limits itself to a thorough discussion of the many facets of established corneal and conjunctival surgery. Although the techniques recommended are those preferred by the authors, their recommendations are based on an enormous clinical experience which they share with their readers. The outstanding aspect of this atlas is the extraordinary combination of excel lent illustrations and superbly repro duced color plates. Unlike previous at tempts at surgical atlases, there is an effort to use space effectively by provid ing an accompanying text that is clear, pertinent, and adequate in scope. The bibliographies are suitable although not exhaustive. Both the specialized nature of this atlas and its price will not make it attractive to the clinician who does only occasional corneal surgery. It would, however, be a particularly noteworthy addition to the library of a corneal surgeon, and should most certainly be available in medical and ophthalmology departmental libraries. Ophthalmic Lasers. Current Clinical Uses. Edited by Wayne F. March. Thorofare, Slack Incorporated, 1984. 300 pages, index, illustrated. $60