Keratoconus is degeneration of the structure of the cornea. The cornea is the clear tissue covering the front of the eye. In keratoconus, the shape of the cornea slowly changes from round to conical (PubMed Health). In the early stages, keratoconus can be corrected with the use of lenses, but in the later stages, surgery is the only option. Holcomb C3-R® is a non-surgical technique that involves placing drops of the vitamin Riboflavin into the eye and using a UV light to activate them. The drops strengthen the fibres of the cornea and over time, preserve sight (American Keratoconus Association). This book is a concise guide to the technique of Holcomb C3-R® to treat keratoconus. Authored by the inventor of the procedure, Brian S Boxer Wachler, the text is based on his first hand clinical experience and explains the history and basic science of cross linking, the development and naming of the technique, its uses and complications, and first patient results. Key points Concise guide to technique of Holcomb C3-R® to treat keratoconus Authored by inventor of the technique and based on clinical experience Includes more than 60 full colour images and illustrations

Firsthand experiences from those who took back their lives from this devastating eye disease introduce readers to alternatives that have saved vision in many patients, and in one instance, led to an Olympic gold medal.

Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the cornea which can lead to blindness as irregular astigmatism increases. The study of the ectasic diseases of the cornea has evolved considerably in the last several years and this has brought new tools for the keratoconus diagnosis and treatment. A better understanding of treatment options can enhance visual rehabilitation and prevent blindness in these patients. This book provides the reader deeply and updated information on keratoconus treatment. Written by experts from worldwide, the book presents clinical, genetic, metabolic and biomechanical aspects in the development of the disease, the proper intervention time, the imaging tests used for diagnosis and keratoconus monitoring, as well as details on new surgical procedures (as contact lenses and laser technologies) using modern methods with wide technological application. Two pioneers in the keratoconus treatment bring their valuable contribution in specific chapters. Ophthalmologists will find a practical and useful approach of new technologies to get the best results for their patients. This book will really impact changes in the therapeutic conduct of corneal surgeons.

I am very proud and excited to introduce to you this book, which provides many interesting indications on how to better understand and handle the world of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Reading the chapters, you will be aware that this device is extremely important not just in the clinical practice of retinal diseases, but is also very useful as a surgical tool. Moreover, application of OCT has crossed the borders of the retina and is currently being applied to corneal diseases and glaucoma. I am confident you will find enough useful information to improve your practice using OCT and to provide a better quality of care for your patients.

This book offers a unique perspective on the invisible organ, a body part that has been visualized only recently. It guides the readers into the world of the microbial constituents that make humans the way they are. The vitamins they produce, the smell they generate, the signals they create, and the molecular guards they elaborate are some of the benefits they bestow on humans. After introducing the notion as to why microbes are an integral component in the development of humans, the book examines the genesis of the microbiome and describes how the resident bacteria work in partnership with the skin, digestive tract, sexual organs, mouth and lungs to execute vital physiological functions. It then discusses the diseases that are triggered by the disruption of the harmonious relationships amongst these diverse systems and provides microbial cures to ailments such as obesity and digestive complications. Finally, the book focuses on the future when the workings of the human microbes will be fully unravelled. Societal changes in health education, the establishment of the microbiome bank, the fight against hunger, space travel, designer traits and enhanced security are explained. Each chapter is accompanied by captivating illustrations and ends with a visual summary. Dr. Appanna has been researching for over 30 years on various aspects of microbial and human cellular systems. He is a professor of biochemistry and has also served as Department Chair and Dean of the Faculty at Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada. The book is aimed at readers enrolled in medical, chiropractic, nursing, pharmacy, and health science programs. Practicing health-care professionals and continuing education learners will also find the content beneficial.

Study guide to assist in preparing for the Ophthalmology Oral Examination

This book presents the state of the art in research into atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, and provides numerous effective practical management recommendations that are grounded in the immense clinical experience of the author. A scientific evidence-based approach to the subject is adopted, progressing from clinical symptoms in different disease stages, molecular genetics, and pathophysiology through to treatment and prevention. All aspects of patient management are covered, including diagnostics, avoidance strategies, emollient therapy, and acute treatment of eczema and itch. Diverse special therapeutic approaches are discussed, ranging from glucocorticoids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and antimicrobial therapy through to UV therapy, allergen-specific immunotherapy, systemic immunosuppressive therapy, and emerging options. Environmental influences are considered, and there is a focus on the whole human being, with attention to psychosocial aspects of the disease and the benefit of educational programs such as “eczema schools”. Atopic Dermatitis will be invaluable for dermatologists, allergists, pediatricians, and general practitioners and informative for other interested persons and sufferers.

Contemporary Scleral Lenses: Theory and Application, provides comprehensive information about scleral lenses. Chapters of this volume have been contributed by renowned scleral lens experts and cover a variety of interesting topics. These topics include the history and evolution of scleral lenses, basic scleral lens structure, optics and customizable features of scleral lenses, analysis of ocular surface shape, ocular surface topography and advances in optometry technology. These topics give readers an explanation of how to utilize diagnostic equipment in optometry practice and enables practitioners to employ a scientific and objective approach to scleral lens fitting. Key features of this volume include: - A straightforward approach to ophthalmic examination flow, evaluation and documentation - A review of Scleral lens care and handling - Descriptions of a variety of complex medical and ocular indications for scleral lenses - Strategic tips to promote your own scleral lens practice - A unique perspective of esteemed corneal specialists regarding the collaborative care of the patient This textbook is a suitable reference for ophthalmology students and practitioners. This text will assist practitioners in enhancing their scleral lens practice by providing them useful information for improving patient vision, ocular surface rehabilitation and quality of life.

The surgical correction of astigmatism is the last frontier to optimizing visual outcomes for patients. Practical Astigmatism: Planning and Analysis is a comprehensive guide to correcting astigmatism from pre-operative planning to post-operative analysis. This provides readers with unique insight to what actually happened surgically: did the astigmatism over or under correct? Was it on-axis or off-axis? With this book, ophthalmologists will be able to analyze previous procedures with the appropriate nomograms and more often achieve targeted outcomes. Dr. Noel Alpins has developed the Alpins Method of astigmatism to provide accurate planning and analysis of astigmatism procedures. His method focuses on analyzing refractive and corneal astigmatism parameters and using the results in future surgery to improve visual outcomes. The importance of the ocular residual astigmatism (ORA) is detailed when planning astigmatism surgery. Practical Astigmatism features vector planning for refractive laser surgery as well as planning and analysis applied to cataract and limbal relaxing incisions, , in addition to demonstrating graphical analysis of astigmatism using high quality vector and fan diagrams, as used in scientific journals. In addition, hemidivisional analysis of the irregular cornea, corneal coupling in incisional and excimer laser surgery for mixed astigmatism and toric IOL planning with total corneal power using corneal topographic astigmatism (CorT total) are addressed as well. Some Questions Answered Inside: What is the difference between regular and irregular astigmatism? How do I diagnose each, and how does this affect my surgical technique? Can I incorporate corneal astigmatism when performing excimer laser surgery? Why are my LRIs undercorrecting the astigmatism? Is it safe to perform excimer laser on keratoconous patients? Which corneal astigmatism measure do I choose and what do I do following a refractive surprise? Practical Astigmatism: Planning and Analysis will help ophthalmologists, optometrists, and technicians alike address each patient’s unique circumstances and act as your in-depth guide to correcting astigmatism. Testimonials... “For more than three decades I have been listening to, arguing with, and admiring the work of Dr. Noel Alpins in the field of astigmatism. Despite his remote location on the small island of Australia, his knowledge of astigmatism is at the peak of Mt. Everest. There are few others who have devoted their careers to understanding and managing astigmatism for which the world of ophthalmology is truly grateful.” - Robert H. Osher, MD “Noel is an original thinker who took on and conquered the complexities of astigmatism analysis, publishing the seminal papers on the way. His work has formed the cornerstone from which our current understanding and management of astigmatism has been built. He is someone from whom we have all learnt a great deal and this book is a testament to this.” - Dan Z Reinstein, MD MA(Cantab) FRCSC DABO FRCOphth FEBO

I am very proud and excited to introduce to you this book, which provides many interesting indications on how to better understand and handle the world of opticalcoherence tomography (OCT). Reading the chapters, you will be aware that this device is extremely important not just in the clinical practice of retinal diseases, but is also very useful as a surgical tool. Moreover, application of OCT has crossed the borders of the retina and is currently being applied to corneal diseases and glaucoma. I amconfident you will find enough useful information to improve your practice using OCT and to provide a better quality of care for your patients.