Current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical expression, pathophysiology and available medical and surgical therapy for ocular surface diseases, providing an invaluable text for ocular surface specialists, general ophthalmologists, optometrists and residents.

During the past several decades, a significant international research effort has been directed towards understanding the composition and regulation of the preocular tear film. This effort has been motivated by the recognition that the tear film plays a critical role in maintaining corneal and conjunctival integrity, protecting against microbial challenge and preserving visual acuity. In addition, research has been stimulated by the knowledge that alteration or deficiency of the tear film, which occurs in numerous individuals throughout the world, may lead to desiccation of the ocular surface, ulceration and perforation of the cornea, an increased incidence of infectious disease, and potentionally pronounced visual disability and blindness.

Ocular Surface Disease: Cornea, Conjunctiva and Tear Film incorporates current research and the latest management strategies as well as classification systems and treatment paradigms for all forms of ocular surface disease. This is the first comprehensive resource that helps you to meet ocular surface disease challenges effectively using today's best medical and surgical approaches. Get the complete, evidence-based guidance you need to provide optimal care for your patients with ocular surface disease. Implement the latest drug treatments and surgical interventions to provide better outcomes with fewer complications. Hone and expand your surgical skills by watching videos of leading experts performing advanced procedures including ocular surface transplantation techniques; amniotic membrane transplantation; pterygium surgery; lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in ocular surface disease; and keratoprosthesis surgery. Visualize how to proceed by reviewing detailed, full-color images and consulting new classification systems and treatment paradigms for mild to severe forms of ocular surface disease. Take it with you anywhere! Access the full text, downloadable image library, video clips, and more online at expertconsult.com.

In addition to communicating current methods for diagnosis and assessing the array of conventional and newfound therapeutic options for dry eye and ocular surface disorders, this edifying reference offers scientific background on normal ocular surface and tear film functioning; descriptions of the mechanisms involved in inflammation; and a review of the unified theory of dry eye etiology.

"Essentials in Ophthalmology" is a new review series covering all of ophthalmology categorized in eight subspecialties. It will be published quarterly, thus each subspecialty will be reviewed biannually. Given the multiplicity of medical publications already available, why is a new series needed? Consider that the half-life of medical knowledge is estimated to be around 5 years. Moreover, it can be as long as 8 years between the first description of a medical innovation in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and publication in a medical textbook. A series that narrows this time span between journal and textbook would provide a more rapid and efficient transfer of medical knowledge into clinical practice, and enhance care of our patients.

Dry eye is one of the most common disorders encountered in ophthalmological practice. Its symptoms cause considerable discomfort and substantially reduce the patient’s quality of life. As it is a complex and multifactorial condition, research investigating dry eye is a matter of great interest all over the world.In this book, the wide range of current basic and clinical research in dry eye and correlated ocular surface diseases is presented by scientists from Germany, Austria and the USA. These renowned authors provide clear and extensive descriptions of their projects, enabling scientists and clinical ophthalmologists to quickly bring themselves up to date with cutting edge research in this field.This overview of research into the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of dry eye is a must for all ophthalmologists dealing with this syndrome and looking to increase their knowledge base.

A number of structures contribute to tear production and maintenance, including the tear system, the lids and the orbit. The ocular surface itself is also a part of the system, including the cornea and conjunctiva. This makes for a very complex situation that can easily lead to changes in tear film and the ocular surface that are called "dry eye." Here a team of experts carefully examine how and when surgery is indicated, addressing normal tear film, normal anatomy (including immunological interactions), classification and diagnosis, anti-inflammatory and immnunosup-pressive concepts, correction and drainage techniques, surgery of the conjunctiva and cornea, keratoprosthesis surgery, botulism toxin injections, mucous membrane grafting, and salivary gland transplantation along with other treatments. The collection closed with a set of scientific studies. The color and monochrome clinical photographs and line illustrations are especially well-chosen and informative.