When the eyeball is indented in total darkness, within less than 200 mil liseconds an oval or quarter-moon shaped spot of light is perceived in the part of the visual field corresponding to the indented region of the retina. In the seconds following, this phosphene extends across the whole visual field and alters in structure during further eyeball indentation. It is then seen as irregular large bright spots of light, finely structured moving light grains ('light nebula') and stationary bright stars. Regular geometrical patterns appear only when both eyes are indented simultaneously [1]. When the eyeball deformation is released, part of the retina again lights up for another one or two seconds and curved light lines are seen following the course of the larger retinal vessels (Fig. 1). In the following we will review the history of this phenomenon, which played an important role during the first 2200 years of vision theories and in the development of models to explain normal vision. 2. Pre-Socratic philosophers, Plato and Aristotle Alcmaeon of Croton (6-5th century B. C. ), who was a member of the Pythagoraean sect and one of the founders of Greek medicine, was the first to describe mechanical deformation of the eyeball leading to light sensa tions. According to Aristotle's pupil Theophrast of Eresos, Alcmaeon report ed that 'the eye obviously has fire within,for when the eye is struckfireflashes out' [2, p. 88].

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

An introduction to the theory and practice of optometry in one succinct volume. From the fundamental science of vision to clinical techniques and the management of common ocular conditions, this book encompasses the essence of contemporary optometric practice. Now in full colour and featuring over 400 new illustrations, this popular text which will appeal to both students and practitioners wishing to keep up to date has been revised significantly. The new edition incorporates recent advances in technology and a complete overview of clinical procedures to improve and update everyday patient care. Contributions from well-known international experts deliver a broad perspective and understanding of current optometric practice. A useful aid for students and the newly qualified practitioner, while providing a rapid reference guide for the more experienced clinician. - Comprehensive and logical coverage detailing the full spectrum of optometric practice in one volume. - Succinctly covers the basics of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, investigative techniques and clinical management of common eye conditions to provide key topics likely to be met in clinical practice. - Discusses the full range of refractive correction, from spectacles and contact lenses to surgical treatment. - Includes chapters on the management of special populations, including paediatric, elderly, low vision and special needs patients. - Heavily illustrated throughout with key diagrams and images to support the text. - Complete restructuring of contents into three sections: basic sciences, clinical techniques and patient management. - Full colour throughout with over 400 illustrations. - Many new chapters reflecting the changes in optometric practice and technology over the last 20 years, including new imaging and diagnostic procedures and methods of ocular treatment and refractive correction. - Now includes internationally renowned authors from around the world. - Details a full range of refractive and management approaches for patient care.

This comprehensive compendium helps readers quickly and accurately interpret a broad spectrum of ocular signs. Over 1300 clinical images, angiograms and scans capture the clinical presentation of the full gamut of ophthalmic diseases and disorders, as well as systemic diseases with ocular manifestations.

Issues for 1977-1979 include also Special List journals being indexed in cooperation with other institutions. Citations from these journals appear in other MEDLARS bibliographies and in MEDLING, but not in Index medicus.

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world and cataract surgery is the most commonly performed operation worldwide. The international authorship of this book permits discussion of both the generality of the field and the details of a number of important topics that more recent research shows are important to understanding developments in the field of cataract surgery. These topics are discussed under the following areas: Pre-operative Care; Operative Surgery and the History of Cataract Surgery; Complications; and Cataract Surgery in Special Situations. The combination of topics makes this an informative, original, and lasting source of knowledge on cataract surgery. Further the chapters on the history of cataract surgery and major advances in the area are, in particular, of importance not only to surgeons and researchers but to physicians more widely as well as the general reader.