Vision in context

‘Vision in context’ helps the reader to address the whole patient, to consider the impact of visual impairment on their life and to think more broadly about how they may be supported. It includes issues around the assessment of low vision, registration, support strategies, driving standards and professional standards.

Aids to diagnosis

‘Aids to diagnosis’ provides the reader with tools that will assist in identifying differential diagnoses according to either clinical presentation or clinical sign.

Refractive ophthalmology

‘Refractive ophthalmology’ provides the reader with an introduction to the causes and treatment of refractive error. This chapter covers the use of spectacles, contact lens and refractive surgery, including LASIK, LASEK, PRK, incisional refractive surgery, collagen shrinkage procedures and lens-based techniques.

Paediatric ophthalmology

‘Paediatric ophthalmology’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of ophthalmic disease in children. After outlining the relevant embryology of the eye, the chapter addresses the key issues and clinical presentations arising in children, before going on to discuss specific diseases such as ophthalmia neonatorum, orbital cellulitis, congenital cataract, uveitis in children, glaucoma in children, retinopathy of prematurity, metabolic diseases and developmental abnormalities. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and management (including medical and surgical treatments) are described for each condition.

Medical retina

‘Medical retina’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of retinal disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of this structure, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations arising from retinal disease, notably age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, cystoid macular oedema, retinal vascular disease, and genetic retinal disease. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition.

Lens

‘Lens’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of lens-related disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of this structure, the chapter discusses the key clinical features, investigations and surgical options for cataract and other disorders of the lens. There is an extended discussion around phacoemulsification, intraocular lens options and the potential complications of cataract surgery.

Sclera

‘Sclera’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of scleral disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of this structure, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations arising from scleral disease, notably episcleritis, anterior scleritis and posterior scleritis. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition. Emphasis is given to the possible association with systemic disease, and the need for appropriate investigation.

Ocular trauma

‘Ocular Trauma’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of ophthalmic injuries. Covering common problems such as blunt trauma, orbital fractures, lid lacerations, chemical injury, penetrating injuries and hyphaema, it also includes less common but serious threats such as thermal and laser-induced injuries. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described both in general terms and specifically for each condition.

Ophthalmic surgery: theatre notes

‘Ophthalmic surgery: theatre notes’ introduces a number of key concepts to prepare the trainee for an ophthalmic theatre. These areas include suture materials and needle types, common surgical instruments (with illustrations) and important supportive issues such as sterilisation services and hand hygiene.

Ophthalmic surgery: anaesthetics and perioperative care

‘Ophthalmic surgery: anaesthetics and perioperative care’ includes those critical areas of surgical care that occur before the first incision and after wound closure. Key subjects include: preoperative assessment including the management of special patient groups, such as patients with diabetes, valvular heart disease, on renal dialysis; ocular anaesthesia; and the management of medical emergencies such as anaphylaxis, hypoglycaemia, and cardiorespiratory collapse.