Media Type: Textbook

Synopsis: Our understanding of genetic diseases of the eye has grown exponentially in the last 20–30 years. This extremely well-organized book provides detailed clinical and molecular findings for each genetic type of eye disease. A thorough anatomical, physiological, and historical review of each class of genetic eye disease is presented at the beginning of each chapter. This book is recommended for the ophthalmologist who wants to improve his knowledge in genetic diseases and give accurate information to his patients in the field of genetic counseling, diagnosis and treatment.

Target Audience: Ophthalmologists

Review: Dr Traboulsi is Head of the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Director of the Center for Genetic Eye Diseases at Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute. He is the Executive Vice-President of the International Society for Genetic Eye Disease and Retinoblastoma and Editor-In-Chief of Ophthalmic Genetics. He is the author of more than 300 scientific articles and book chapters. Dr Traboulsi is known internationally, as an expert in the field of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Genetic Eye Diseases.

The 2 ^nd edition of Genetic Diseases of the Eye is divided into 7 sections and 52 chapters. It introduces the subject of genetics beginning with malformations of the eye, refractive errors, glaucoma, cataracts, cornea, retina and optic nerve, eye movement disorders and systemic diseases and ends with a new chapter on cancer genetics and treatment of genetic disorders.

The information in the book is presented as a textbook of anatomy and physiology of the eye in addition to a fantastic review of ophthalmic literature in genetic eye disease. At the beginning of each chapter, we are given an interesting historical perspective. The book contains an impressive amount of atlas quality pictures. Classifications, clinical findings and diagnostic criteria for genetic diseases are well stated in each chapter.

It is difficult to criticize this book. A genetic textbook is often tedious to read, but this one, with its excellent organization and illustrated cases, is very easy and enjoyable to read.

In summary, the 2 ^nd edition of this book remains the reference on genetic eye diseases and is ideal for every ophthalmologist who wants to keep up with new genetic knowledge.