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The Vitreous. Structure, Function, and Pathobiology
Vol. 109, No.4
an aesthetic problem." The treatment proposed for lower eyelid scleral show and ectropion is limited to skin grafting. The techniques of transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty and lateral canthal tightening with subcutaneous dissection of cicatricial bands are not mentioned. This book is an important contribution to the field of blepharoplasty surgery. Since eyelid surgery is performed by surgeons from many disciplines, it is always informative to read about different approaches to the operation. Ophthalmologists who perform blepharoplasty will find the author's approach and the treatment of complications enlightening.
Laser Microsurgery of Glaucoma. By Lucio Buratto, Alberto Ricci, and Daniele Vitali. Milan, Fogliazza Editore, 1988. 247 pages, illustrated. $120
Reviewed by WALLACE L. M. ALWARD
Iowa City, Iowa
The aim of this attractive book is to explain the various laser techniques used in the treatment of glaucoma. It is divided into three sections. The first section describes aqueous dynamics, examination methods, and laser basics. The middle section, the focus of the text, discusses the major laser techniques in some depth. The last section discusses the therapy of various types of glaucomas, with an emphasis on the use of the laser. The book is beautifully illustrated by Bianca Manfredi. The section devoted to laser techniques covers all of the laser procedures used in glaucoma treatment. The authors clearly describe their own methods as well as those of others. Although the techniques section is thorough, the rest of the book is sometimes superficial. A three-page chapter on perimetry hardly does the subject justice. If using this text as a springboard to further study, the student may be disappointed. Statements such as "according to some authors" are not referenced, leaving the reader to take these declarations on faith. Even papers heavily borrowed from, such as the gonioscopic grading system of Scheie, are neither referenced nor credited in the bibliography. The book has no index. This book would best serve the needs of someone wanting a "how-to" guide to glaucoma laser therapy. The descriptions of tech-
Book Reviews
493
niques are usually clear and the illustrations are terrific.
The Vitreous. Structure, Function, and Pathobiology. By J. Sebago New York, Springer-Verlag, 1989. 173 pages, index, illustrated. $69
Reviewed by JOSE S. PULIDO AND THOMAS K. SHIRES
Iowa City, Iowa
This book is a clear summary of the biology and pathology of the vitreous. The first six chapters cover in detail the basic science required for an understanding of the vitreous. The last chapter explains that it is not possible to discuss the various diseases affecting the vitreous without some understanding of the ideas covered in the first six chapters. The references at the end of each chapter are complete, up-to-date, and include historical as well as pertinent non-English references. This text is a good starting point for basic scientists interested in vitreoretinal disease and for ophthalmologists with a special interest in vitreoretinal research. We have both learned a lot from this book, and we recommend it to all interested investigators.
What Kind of Life. The Limits of Medical Progress. By Daniel Callahan. New York, Simon & Shuster, 1990. 318 pages, index. $19.95
Reviewed by FRANK W. NEWELL
Chicago, Illinois
This volume contains the familiar theme that health care costs in the United States far exceed similar costs of other countries, that 37 million citizens lack health insurance, that the death rate has declined, but that the increase in the number of elderly has been accompanied by an increase in the number of chronic conditions requiring medical care and advanced technology. Predictably, Callahan advocates rationing medical care but with a difference that rarely appears in print: stop saving babies with birth weights of less than 500 g and stop special medical care for those more than 80 years old. One chapter is devoted to euthanasia, assisted suicide, killing, and allowing to die. Attention is not directed to the likelihood that those who can pay will continue to receive modern medicine and once again the poor will suffer
an aesthetic problem." The treatment proposed for lower eyelid scleral show and ectropion is limited to skin grafting. The techniques of transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty and lateral canthal tightening with subcutaneous dissection of cicatricial bands are not mentioned. This book is an important contribution to the field of blepharoplasty surgery. Since eyelid surgery is performed by surgeons from many disciplines, it is always informative to read about different approaches to the operation. Ophthalmologists who perform blepharoplasty will find the author's approach and the treatment of complications enlightening.
Laser Microsurgery of Glaucoma. By Lucio Buratto, Alberto Ricci, and Daniele Vitali. Milan, Fogliazza Editore, 1988. 247 pages, illustrated. $120
Reviewed by WALLACE L. M. ALWARD
Iowa City, Iowa
The aim of this attractive book is to explain the various laser techniques used in the treatment of glaucoma. It is divided into three sections. The first section describes aqueous dynamics, examination methods, and laser basics. The middle section, the focus of the text, discusses the major laser techniques in some depth. The last section discusses the therapy of various types of glaucomas, with an emphasis on the use of the laser. The book is beautifully illustrated by Bianca Manfredi. The section devoted to laser techniques covers all of the laser procedures used in glaucoma treatment. The authors clearly describe their own methods as well as those of others. Although the techniques section is thorough, the rest of the book is sometimes superficial. A three-page chapter on perimetry hardly does the subject justice. If using this text as a springboard to further study, the student may be disappointed. Statements such as "according to some authors" are not referenced, leaving the reader to take these declarations on faith. Even papers heavily borrowed from, such as the gonioscopic grading system of Scheie, are neither referenced nor credited in the bibliography. The book has no index. This book would best serve the needs of someone wanting a "how-to" guide to glaucoma laser therapy. The descriptions of tech-
Book Reviews
493
niques are usually clear and the illustrations are terrific.
The Vitreous. Structure, Function, and Pathobiology. By J. Sebago New York, Springer-Verlag, 1989. 173 pages, index, illustrated. $69
Reviewed by JOSE S. PULIDO AND THOMAS K. SHIRES
Iowa City, Iowa
This book is a clear summary of the biology and pathology of the vitreous. The first six chapters cover in detail the basic science required for an understanding of the vitreous. The last chapter explains that it is not possible to discuss the various diseases affecting the vitreous without some understanding of the ideas covered in the first six chapters. The references at the end of each chapter are complete, up-to-date, and include historical as well as pertinent non-English references. This text is a good starting point for basic scientists interested in vitreoretinal disease and for ophthalmologists with a special interest in vitreoretinal research. We have both learned a lot from this book, and we recommend it to all interested investigators.
What Kind of Life. The Limits of Medical Progress. By Daniel Callahan. New York, Simon & Shuster, 1990. 318 pages, index. $19.95
Reviewed by FRANK W. NEWELL
Chicago, Illinois
This volume contains the familiar theme that health care costs in the United States far exceed similar costs of other countries, that 37 million citizens lack health insurance, that the death rate has declined, but that the increase in the number of elderly has been accompanied by an increase in the number of chronic conditions requiring medical care and advanced technology. Predictably, Callahan advocates rationing medical care but with a difference that rarely appears in print: stop saving babies with birth weights of less than 500 g and stop special medical care for those more than 80 years old. One chapter is devoted to euthanasia, assisted suicide, killing, and allowing to die. Attention is not directed to the likelihood that those who can pay will continue to receive modern medicine and once again the poor will suffer