Parul Ichhpujani - Glaucoma

This series of highly organized and uniform handbooks aims to cover the latest clinically relevant developments in ophthalmology. In the wake of rapidly evolving innovations in the field of basic research, pharmacology, surgical techniques and imaging devices for the management of ophthalmic disorders, it is extremely important to invest in books that help you stay updated. These handbooks are designed to bridge the gap between journals and standard texts providing reviews on advances that are now part of mainstream clinical practice. Meant for residents, fellows-in-training, generalist ophthalmologists and specialists alike, each volume under this series covers current perspectives on relevant topics and meets the CME requirements as a go-to reference guide. Supervised and reviewed by a subject expert, chapters in each volume provide leading-edge information most relevant and useful for clinical ophthalmologists. This series is also useful for residents and fellows training in various subspecialties of ophthalmology, who can read these books while at work or during emergency duties. Additionally, these handbooks can aid in preparing for clinical case discussions at various forums and examinations.

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Dr. Parul Ichhpujani hasin this textcondensed current teaching about most of the new technologies and concepts in the field of glaucoma. This is a great accomplishment and a useful one.

She set herself a difficult task, as basic concepts about glaucoma, what it is, and how it is best diagnosed and treated are in transition and new technologies arrive daily! Those relatively new to the field may find it hard to believe that as recently as 50 years ago, the diagnosis of glaucoma was easy; one simply measured the pressure within the eye! That sadly incorrect method of thinking lingers on, unfortunately. Also, there was a widespread belief that the size of the optic nerve head cup was of essential importance in diagnosing and following patients with glaucoma. However, it is now clear that the size of the cup is poorly correlated with diagnostic and functional status and that cup/disc ratios should no longer be used; they mislead more than help. It is the pattern of the nerve appearance that is hugely helpful. Some authors now use phrases such as pressure-independent glaucoma, while others believe that pressure is in some way always at least partially responsible for the damage that occurs in glaucoma. One of the essential pieces of informationthe appearance of the anterior chamber angleis today incorrectly evaluated in over two-thirds of individuals!

As a result, blindness from primary angle closure glaucoma is the leading cause of permanent blindnessdespite being easy to diagnose and treat successfully! Most of those (perhaps more than 90%) with glaucoma do not even get diagnosed, and for the relatively few that do, treatment options are so wildly diverse that the practitioner must wonder what to do.

What is certain is that thinking and acting regarding glaucoma are in a messy transition.

This book is a highly informative read for all interested in the field. The chapters are well-referenced, allowing the reader to go beyond the helpful material in the chapters themselves.