This book focuses on diseases and associated issues causing visual impairment and blindness in the low socio-economically developed parts of the world. The majority of these are preventable and treatable.
The earlier chapters cover basic anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and clinical examination of the eye and the adnexa. Refractive errors and their management are also tackled. Cataract is the leading cause of treatable blindness worldwide. The book describes lens pathology comprehensively, and emphasises the role of high volume, cheap, affordable and cost-effective cataract surgery that aims for a good visual outcome in a low resource setting.
Glaucoma, its various types and their management is well covered. Ocular and adnexal pathologies are addressed. Trachoma, vitamin A deficiency, leprosy, onchocerciasis, and other parasitic infestations of the globe, sickle cell disease, tuberculosis and syphilis, still continue to pose a serious visual threat in the developing world.
These have received appropriate and detailed attention. Neglected corneal diseases, infectious and non-infectious keratitis also cause considerable ocular morbidity in poorer parts of the globe. Hence its treatment and management are also discussed at length in the book. A chapter is dedicated to HIV infections and Aids, which although currently prevalent worldwide, remains a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in poorer countries. Eye injuries too are widely neglected against the backdrop of poverty, ignorance, lack of public awareness and paucity of health facilities in the developing world. The chapter on recognition and management of ocular and periocular trauma and the diagnosis of common eye diseases conveys useful information.
The book contains a list of useful resources and websites. The language is simple, and text is lucid. Photographs, illustrations, tables and information boxes effectively complement the text. This book will serve as an invaluable teaching and learning tool for ophthalmologists of all levels. It can also be recommended as a textbook resource for integrated healthcare workers in global settings.
