Media Type: Textbook (with Expert Consult)

Synopsis: There are many aspects of the eye that have remained the same for centuries such as basic optics and refraction. However, on the flip side there have been tremendous advancements in our understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the eye due to better research techniques and our improved ability to explore the cell on a molecular and genetic level. Adler’s Physiology of the Eye , 11 ^th edition, is a tremendous reference for those clinicians and scientists who have the desire to understand the inner and outer workings of the eye. It is a textbook that sooner or later will be needed by anyone interested in the eye.

Target Audience: Students, scientists and clinicians interested in the eye.

Review: There are few books in ophthalmology that have survived, let alone flourished, the attrition rate of time. Adler’s Physiology of the Eye certainly ranks amongst those great books that have flourished. First published in 1950 (17 years before my time), it is now in its 11 ^th edition. One can only imagine the changes this book has gone through over the decades given the explosion of knowledge and better understanding of how the eye and its visual pathways work, not only from an anatomical and physiological point of view but from a molecular and genetic aspect.

Although this textbook can be read from cover-to-cover, because of the wealth of information found within its pages, for most readers I believe it will serve as a tremendous reference textbook. It is not stated who this book is intended for, but it is clear from its historical past that this book is meant for anyone— student, clinician and scientist alike— interested in the anatomy, physiology, and cellular biology of the eye.

The 11 ^th edition has seen a major change from its 10 ^th edition predecessor, which was published in 2003. It is obvious from just looking and holding the book that is bigger (although it contains fewer pages) and aesthetically more pleasing to the eye (the cover is quite colorful). But it is not just the fact that the book is bigger and more colorful that makes it better and more improved— it is the content. Fundamentally, there has been an organizational change in the way the material is presented. The preface clearly states the editors abandoned an anatomical approach to a function and structure approach. Sixty-nine authors contributed to 41 individual chapters that are divided into 11 sections. The list of contributors is impressive and many are leaders in the subject matter of their respective chapter subject matter.

The strengths of the book are many. It is well-organized with each section represented by a specific color banner at the top of every page. The top of each page on the left side indicates the section and chapter, whereas the top of each page on the right side indicates the particular subject matter being discussed within the chapter. The reference list provided at the end of every chapter is very comprehensive. The book is heavily illustrated with excellent figures, some that are original and some reproduced from other works. Nearly all the figures are in color— a significant departure from the black and white figures in the 10 ^th edition. In addition, many of the figures have seen a dramatic upgrade in terms of presentation and content. A nice example of this is the schematic drawing of the lateral geniculate nucleus (Figure 29.1 in the 11 ^th edition compared to Figure 28-1 in the 10 ^th edition). A new feature is the addition of a “box” in some of the chapters. Theses boxes contain either a summary of important information mentioned in the text or additional information not discussed in the text.

There are few weaknesses of the book. One deficiency is the lack of a devoted section on genetics. Genetic disorders, such as congenital stationary night blindness and Stargardt’s disease, are mentioned in the photoreception section, but aside from this and few other diseases, ocular genetics is not a major thrust of this book. In fact, I was surprised to find no discussion on Leber hereditary optic neuropathy in the optic nerve chapter, particularly given the exciting proposition of gene therapy as a cure for this condition in the near future. Although not a weakness, given its stated objectives, the book is not meant to be used for diagnosis or treatment.

Drs Levin, Nilsson, ver Hoeve, Wu, Kaufman and Alm should be congratulated on taking Adler’s Physiology of the Eye , 11 ^th edition, to the next level. It is a book that deserves to be on the bookshelves of anybody interested in understanding how the eye works.