Adler's Physiology of the Eye: Clinical Application, Tenth Edition

Adler's Physiology of the Eye: Clinical Application, Tenth Edition; Paul L. Kaufman and Albert Alm, Editors. Mosby, St. Louis, MO, 2003. ISBN: 0-323-01136-5. $102.00 Scope: This tenth edition of Adler's Physiology of the Eye is a comprehensive, single-volume, multi-authored textbook of ocular physiology designed to be a reference text for preclinical scientists and clinicians. It emphasizes clinical applications of the exponentially expanding knowledge base of ocular physiology, morphology, and molecular biology. Contents: The book is divided into 14 sections, each with a separate editor. Each section covers broad topics, including the ocular surface, the cornea and sclera, the lens, optics and refraction, accommodation and presbyopia, aqueous humor hydrodynamics, the vitreous, the retina, visual perception, the optic nerve, the central visual pathways, the pupil, ocular circulation, and extraocular muscles/eye movements. Topics covered include anatomy, development, physiology, and pathophysiology. Each chapter is a thoroughly referenced (more than 500 references in some chapters) up-to-date review with extensive figures, illustrations, diagrams, and clinical photographs. Of particular interest to neuro-ophthalmologists are the sections about retina, optic nerve, visual perception, the central visual pathways, the pupil, extraocular muscles, and eye movements. The visual perception section provides a comprehensive overview of several areas rarely discussed, including entoptic phenomena, visual acuity, early visual processing of spatial form, binocular vision, temporal properties of vision, development of vision in infancy, perimetry and visual field testing, color vision, and visual adaptation. The central visual pathways section is organized anatomically, including chapters on the retino-geniculate projections, the lateral geniculate nucleus, the primary visual cortex, and the extrastriate cortex, as well as a chapter on visual deprivation. The final section on extraocular muscles and eye movements has three chapters, with the latter two including explanations of three-dimensional rotations of the eye and the neural control of eye movements. Interesting new additions to the text include updated descriptions of the neural circuitry of the retina, ophthalmic facial anatomy, and ocular circulation. Strengths: This is an updated and revised edition of a classic. It is arguably the most important single-volume reference for scientists and clinicians seeking information or insight into any aspect of vision science. At the same time, it is enjoyable to read, chapter by chapter, for anyone who is fascinated by the workings of the eye and its brain connections. The chosen authors are all recognized experts in their fields, and the text covers all aspects of the visual system. Information gathered from basic science research is used to explain ocular physiology. Clinical correlations aid in the understanding and application of the basics of vision science to patient care. The figures and tables are clear and complement the text well. The chapters on the pupil, the optic nerve, ocular circulation, the extraocular muscles, three-dimensional rotations of the eye, and the neural control of eye movements are spectacular. Weaknesses: A minor criticism is that many of the photographs of the eye and histologic sections would be better viewed as color reproductions. There is a small color plate section in the back of the book that includes 22 color figures that seem to be arbitrarily chosen. Like any other multi-authored text, there is some unevenness to the writing style. Recommended audience: This book is intended for preclinical scientists and clinicians but is equally useful for ophthalmologists and students of vision science. Critical appraisal: The editors have created a comprehensive, up-to-date text on ocular physiology. This book should be an invaluable addition to any neuro-ophthalmologist's collection. Dr. Adler would be proud of this latest version of his classic text. Nicholas J. Volpe, MD Scheie Eye Institute; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania