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MedicalScienceBooks.com
Medical Book Review:
The old saying, “a picture
is worth a thousand words”, sums up the need for and impetus
behind the writing of most clinical atlases. Ophthalmology is
certainly one of the medical specialties most dependent on
visual observations for diagnosis, therefore a multitude of
references have been published. When choosing among atlas
references, the comprehensiveness of conditions that are
included and the quality of the photographs and illustrations
are at the top of the checklist for most readers. For
ophthalmology atlases, the photograph quality needs to be held
to an even higher standard as the amount of light that is
reflected off the cornea can alter the appearance of certain
findings.
Addressing the first question of comprehensiveness is most
easily done by first mentioning that this text is another
product of the renowned ophthalmologist Jack Kanski, who has
been involved in the publication of several excellent texts all
written to be comprehensive, yet concise guides to the practice
of ophthalmology. Anatomical divisions are used for the majority
of sections which include those findings most indicative of
disease in particular regions of the eye. In these sections, an
illustrative photo is included with a description and/or
definition of the sign along with the causes. Many of the signs
also have a focused differential diagnosis in their write up as
well. Another section contains information regarding ocular
motility with both patient photos and illustrations describing
the tell-tale observations found in patients with neuro-ophthalmic
conditions. Finally, the last section switches perspective in
that photos of systemic disease are shown with a list of
ophthalmic conditions to look for that typically goes along with
the systemic condition.
Signs in Ophthalmology: Causes and differential
diagnosis stands among the best of the class in terms of
picture quality. Each photograph is focused on the pathology
described with little distraction from surrounding structures,
and is of appropriate size for easy viewing while allowing for
several photos on the same page along with text. Integrated
along with the text that is short and concise for each sign, the
reader has an excellent “field guide” that is easily consulted.
Signs in Ophthalmology: Causes and differential
diagnosis is a concise clinical guide that should be readily
available to all practicing ophthalmologists and trainees.
Ratings (1-4 , 4 being the
highest):
Organization of information:
3.5
Usefulness of book: 4
Suitable for intended
audience: 4
Author’s objectives met: 4
Significant number of
illustrations: 4
Quality of illustrations: 4 |
