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Ophthalmic Lasers. Current Clinical Uses
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
VOL. 98, NO. 2
BOOK REVIEWS
Reviewed by GARY W. ABRAMS
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
This book is presented in a symposium format although the date and location of the symposium are not listed. The stated goal of the book is "to provide ophthal mologists with a comprehensive descrip tion of all forms of ophthalmic laser thera py performed by the acknowledged world's experts." Dr. March has, indeed, assembled a distinguished group of ex perts, but has only partially fulfilled his promise of a comprehensive text. Some of the chapters are comprehensive, well or ganized, and well referenced, but some are quite superficial and lack references. The book is divided into eight sections. Section I includes a chapter on basic physics by March that is directed at those with no knowledge of laser physics; un fortunately, it is not referenced for those seeking more understanding. Gerd Meyer-Schwickerath takes an interesting historical look at the development of light coagulation in a fine chapter. Section II includes seven chapters on the YAG laser. This is the most compre hensive section of the book. March exam ines various YAG lasers but does not compare the same aspects of all lasers. Roy McCord presents a well-written, concise discussion of YAG laser theory. Georg Eisner in his chapter, "Learning to be a YAG Surgeon," discusses models that demonstrate the effects of the YAG laser and how variation of pulse frequen cy and power changes these effects. Eis ner effectively shows the practical ap plication of laser theory. Hanspeter Loertscher and Franz Fankhauser explain YAG laser contact lens theory using geo metric optics and discuss the use of con tact lenses for laser therapy. March and James Little discuss the method and complications of posterior capsulotomy, and George Spaeth pre
251
sents the results and complications of peripheral iridectomies in 58 eyes. Dan iele Aron-Rosa presents the method of cutting vitreous incarcerated in cataract wounds in eyes with cystoid macular edema and cutting vitreoretinal mem branes exerting traction on retinal tears. A histopathologic study of the effect of the YAG laser on the retina is presented, but, unfortunately, the method is not included. Section III is a somewhat speculative chapter on the erbium laser by Gerald Horn and Kenneth Spears. Section IV, which deals with the kryp ton laser, includes a nice discussion of choroidal neovascular membranes and pigment epithelial detachments by J. Donald M. Gass. The advantages and disadvantages of and indications for treat ment with krypton red, argon bluegreen, and argon green lasers are dis cussed. Section V covers the argon laser. March reviews the results of the National Macular Photocoagulation Study of argon laser treatment of choroidal neovascularization in ocular histoplasmosis. The outstanding chapter of the book is "An Approach to Laser Management of Diabetic Retinopathy" by Thomas Ste vens, George Bresnick, Mathew Davis, Suresh Chandra, and Frank Meyers. This is one of the best summaries of the state of the art in laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy I have read. Robert Abraham reviews the historical development, indi cations, methods, and complications of argon laser iridectomy. The references and bibliography are quite extensive. Spaeth's discussion of argon laser trabeculoplasty is thorough and well done. Section VI deals with xenon photocoag ulation. Meyer-Schwickerath shows the method and preliminary results of treat ment of choroidal melanomas with xenon photocoagulation. More information on
252
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
the size of the tumors and indications for treatment would have been desirable. Section VII, one on the carbon dioxide laser, includes a short discussion by Ster ling Baker of the physics and effects of the carbon dioxide laser. Baker then presents a method of blepharoplasty with the car bon dioxide laser. Francis L'Espérance presents the technique and results of carbon dioxide laser in filtering surgery in 23 eyes with neovascular glaucoma. Also of interest was one eye with a malignant melanoma treated with vitrectomy and carbon dioxide laser therapy. In Section VIII, L'Espérance covers current and prospective uses of the dye laser, a potentially useful laser. The book has a glossary of laser terms and an interesting discussion of a number of laser topics by symposium participants conducted by C. P. Wilkinson. I was, however, annoyed by misspelled words throughout the book. Although not a comprehensive text, this book contains much useful information about a timely topic in ophthalmology by a distinguished group of pioneers and leaders in laser therapy. Complications in Ophthalmic Surgery. Edited by Nicholas Iliff. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1983. Hard cover, 530 pages, index, illustrated. $60 Reviewed by F. T. FRAUNFELDER
Portland,
Oregon
The editor of this excellent text has assembled a group of recognized experts in the various subspecialties of ophthal mic surgery to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive, practical reference for the ophthalmic surgeon. The strong point of this book is the list of contributors, 31 in number, who have a wealth of knowl edge on surgical techniques, methods of
AUGUST, 1984
avoiding complications, and concise de scriptions of what to do if complications do occur. Most chapters include a discus sion of the details of the procedure that minimize chances of complications. Each author is allowed to present his material in whatever method best suits the sub ject, so that the quality of the photo graphs and drawings varies from chapter to chapter. However, the overall stan dard is high. The book has a complete index, with adquate references following each chapter. This is a practical, up-todate text on complications in ophthalmic surgery, designed to be on the desk of any ophthalmic surgeon.
Color and Fluorescein Angiographie Atlas of Retinal Vascular Disorders. By David Orth. Baltimore, Williams & Wilkins, 1984. 411 pages, index, illustrated. $175
Reviewed by THOMAS C. BURTON
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
Color fundus photographs are an ap pealing ornament to any ophthalmology text, and in this book they add a useful clinical dimension to the author's collec tion of fluorescein angiograms. The format of this book is unusual and potentially useful: each chapter is built around the differential diagnosis of a reti nal vascular abnormality. This means, however, that the discussion of a single disease entity is sometimes widely scat tered throughout the text. Diabetic retinopathy is an obvious example; its mani festations are referenced in 25 separate locations in the book. The work of the medical artist is clear and graphically pleasing. Regrettably, several errors have found their way into the illustrations. These include the ap pearance of the short posterior ciliary
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
VOL. 98, NO. 2
BOOK REVIEWS
Reviewed by GARY W. ABRAMS
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
This book is presented in a symposium format although the date and location of the symposium are not listed. The stated goal of the book is "to provide ophthal mologists with a comprehensive descrip tion of all forms of ophthalmic laser thera py performed by the acknowledged world's experts." Dr. March has, indeed, assembled a distinguished group of ex perts, but has only partially fulfilled his promise of a comprehensive text. Some of the chapters are comprehensive, well or ganized, and well referenced, but some are quite superficial and lack references. The book is divided into eight sections. Section I includes a chapter on basic physics by March that is directed at those with no knowledge of laser physics; un fortunately, it is not referenced for those seeking more understanding. Gerd Meyer-Schwickerath takes an interesting historical look at the development of light coagulation in a fine chapter. Section II includes seven chapters on the YAG laser. This is the most compre hensive section of the book. March exam ines various YAG lasers but does not compare the same aspects of all lasers. Roy McCord presents a well-written, concise discussion of YAG laser theory. Georg Eisner in his chapter, "Learning to be a YAG Surgeon," discusses models that demonstrate the effects of the YAG laser and how variation of pulse frequen cy and power changes these effects. Eis ner effectively shows the practical ap plication of laser theory. Hanspeter Loertscher and Franz Fankhauser explain YAG laser contact lens theory using geo metric optics and discuss the use of con tact lenses for laser therapy. March and James Little discuss the method and complications of posterior capsulotomy, and George Spaeth pre
251
sents the results and complications of peripheral iridectomies in 58 eyes. Dan iele Aron-Rosa presents the method of cutting vitreous incarcerated in cataract wounds in eyes with cystoid macular edema and cutting vitreoretinal mem branes exerting traction on retinal tears. A histopathologic study of the effect of the YAG laser on the retina is presented, but, unfortunately, the method is not included. Section III is a somewhat speculative chapter on the erbium laser by Gerald Horn and Kenneth Spears. Section IV, which deals with the kryp ton laser, includes a nice discussion of choroidal neovascular membranes and pigment epithelial detachments by J. Donald M. Gass. The advantages and disadvantages of and indications for treat ment with krypton red, argon bluegreen, and argon green lasers are dis cussed. Section V covers the argon laser. March reviews the results of the National Macular Photocoagulation Study of argon laser treatment of choroidal neovascularization in ocular histoplasmosis. The outstanding chapter of the book is "An Approach to Laser Management of Diabetic Retinopathy" by Thomas Ste vens, George Bresnick, Mathew Davis, Suresh Chandra, and Frank Meyers. This is one of the best summaries of the state of the art in laser treatment of diabetic retinopathy I have read. Robert Abraham reviews the historical development, indi cations, methods, and complications of argon laser iridectomy. The references and bibliography are quite extensive. Spaeth's discussion of argon laser trabeculoplasty is thorough and well done. Section VI deals with xenon photocoag ulation. Meyer-Schwickerath shows the method and preliminary results of treat ment of choroidal melanomas with xenon photocoagulation. More information on
252
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
the size of the tumors and indications for treatment would have been desirable. Section VII, one on the carbon dioxide laser, includes a short discussion by Ster ling Baker of the physics and effects of the carbon dioxide laser. Baker then presents a method of blepharoplasty with the car bon dioxide laser. Francis L'Espérance presents the technique and results of carbon dioxide laser in filtering surgery in 23 eyes with neovascular glaucoma. Also of interest was one eye with a malignant melanoma treated with vitrectomy and carbon dioxide laser therapy. In Section VIII, L'Espérance covers current and prospective uses of the dye laser, a potentially useful laser. The book has a glossary of laser terms and an interesting discussion of a number of laser topics by symposium participants conducted by C. P. Wilkinson. I was, however, annoyed by misspelled words throughout the book. Although not a comprehensive text, this book contains much useful information about a timely topic in ophthalmology by a distinguished group of pioneers and leaders in laser therapy. Complications in Ophthalmic Surgery. Edited by Nicholas Iliff. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1983. Hard cover, 530 pages, index, illustrated. $60 Reviewed by F. T. FRAUNFELDER
Portland,
Oregon
The editor of this excellent text has assembled a group of recognized experts in the various subspecialties of ophthal mic surgery to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive, practical reference for the ophthalmic surgeon. The strong point of this book is the list of contributors, 31 in number, who have a wealth of knowl edge on surgical techniques, methods of
AUGUST, 1984
avoiding complications, and concise de scriptions of what to do if complications do occur. Most chapters include a discus sion of the details of the procedure that minimize chances of complications. Each author is allowed to present his material in whatever method best suits the sub ject, so that the quality of the photo graphs and drawings varies from chapter to chapter. However, the overall stan dard is high. The book has a complete index, with adquate references following each chapter. This is a practical, up-todate text on complications in ophthalmic surgery, designed to be on the desk of any ophthalmic surgeon.
Color and Fluorescein Angiographie Atlas of Retinal Vascular Disorders. By David Orth. Baltimore, Williams & Wilkins, 1984. 411 pages, index, illustrated. $175
Reviewed by THOMAS C. BURTON
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
Color fundus photographs are an ap pealing ornament to any ophthalmology text, and in this book they add a useful clinical dimension to the author's collec tion of fluorescein angiograms. The format of this book is unusual and potentially useful: each chapter is built around the differential diagnosis of a reti nal vascular abnormality. This means, however, that the discussion of a single disease entity is sometimes widely scat tered throughout the text. Diabetic retinopathy is an obvious example; its mani festations are referenced in 25 separate locations in the book. The work of the medical artist is clear and graphically pleasing. Regrettably, several errors have found their way into the illustrations. These include the ap pearance of the short posterior ciliary