Media Type: Textbook

Synopsis: The slit lamp is one of the most essential tools of the ophthalmologist, and this textbook provides an efficient means for teaching slit lamp and photo documentary skills to the reader. This updated version of the classic text of 25 years ago also bridges the advances made in the digital age that have been of benefit to slit lamp photography. Throughout its 9 chapters, the excellent diagrams and photographs clearly illustrate the “how to” techniques described. This book should be a “must” for anyone learning how to get the most out of the slit lamp, as well as those with a desire to learn slit lamp biomicrography.

Target Audience: Ophthalmologists, optometrists, residents, fellows, students, and ophthalmic photographers.

Review: This is an excellent and updated resource for anyone interested in learning or improving slit lamp skills, and slit lamp photography. As Jay Krachmer points out in the foreword: “ There is no better resource than this book to teach someone how to use the slit lamp and to obtain outstanding slit lamp and external ocular photographs. It is also without peer in teaching the critical first step in management: observation .” The text teaches basic structures of the eye and quickly moves to the basic principles of slit lamp biomicroscopy—such as illumination methods, optic sectioning and combining diffuse illumination with the slit beam. Sample diagrammatic representations of the eye, slit beam, biomicroscope and fill light clearly teach the optimal set up to capture and or enhance each type of ophthalmic image, with beautiful accompanying photographs as illustrative examples.

Both novice and expert can pick up helpful pearls to improve his/ her technique of slit lamp examination and photo documentation. For example, the section on “indirect retroillumination from the iris” ties together the concepts of direct focal, direct retroillumination and indirect retroillumination from the iris in such a way that the reader can clearly understand, utilizing side-by-side views, how each successive method improves visualization and detail of corneal opacities.

Students interested in slit lamp photography can enjoy a clear, concise chapter on focusing, centration and magnification techniques, along with exposure control and managing objectionable light artifacts. A special techniques section reviewing vital dyes, gonioscopy and retinal examination will serve both beginning resident and novice ophthalmic photographer alike.

The information in this book has been updated from the first editions of 1984–85. Two new chapters, on stereo slit lamp photography, and on external photography, are included. Over 170 new images and illustrations have been added. The textbook generously expresses the depth of understanding of Mr. Martonyi’s 30-year career in ophthalmic photography, coupled with the expertise of Drs Bahn and Meyer. A host of contributions is acknowledged, mostly from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Michigan.

The book has a glossy, coffee-table style feel, and it is a pleasure to leisurely peruse or studiously examine its exceptional diagrams and clinical photographs. Its 9 chapters are clearly presented, and the goals of each chapter are accomplished efficiently. The fact that no other equivalent text has been available for the past 25 years suggests this is the “classic work” for learning slit lamp and slit lamp photographic skills.