Ophthalmology books reviewed by Leigh Spielberg MD

Emerging Ocular Infections Defined as “an infectious agent whose incidence is increasing following its introduction into a new host population”, an emerging pathogen can cause a great deal of confusion. As uveitis is already, for many, a confusing branch of ophthalmology, a textbook devoted to Emerging Infectious Uveitis (Springer) is certainly welcome. Edited by Soon-Phaik Chee and Moncef Khairallah, this 200-page book covers not only the emerging diseases, but also those that are re-emerging, old adversaries such as syphilis and tuberculosis. What kind of emerging ocular infections are covered? These are divided into sections based on the pathogens: bacterial (for example Mediterranean spotted fever and leptospirosis, among others), viral (Zika, chikungunya, 
Rift Valley fever), parasitic (intraocular nematodes such as onchocerciasis) and fungal (including aspergillus). It’s an unusual bunch of pathogens, and will hopefully remain so. But a book like this is very handy in cases of uveitis in which the signs and symptoms don’t suggest the diseases we see in daily practice. Slit lamp, fundus, fluorescein angiography and OCT images supplement the text. This book is intended for general ophthalmologists working in large cities or in developing nations who might be confronted by these emerging pathogens, and for uveitis specialists who never want to miss a diagnosis. Ocular tuberculosis Ocular Tuberculosis is a concise review of all aspects of the disease, from its epidemiology, pathogenesis and pathology to its ocular manifestations, and everything (diagnostics, therapeutics) in between. Particularly interesting are the chapters devoted to diagnostics. Chapter 3 covers the ocular imaging studies (fundus photography, OCT, ultrasound); Chapter 4 focuses on the laboratory and radiological investigations; and Chapter 5 discusses the tuberculin skin test and interferon-γ release assays. Each of the many manifestations of ocular tuberculosis receives its own chapter in this 130-page book. This includes conjunctival and corneal infection, scleritis, uveitis in its various presentations, multifocal serpiginoid choroiditis, retinitis and retinal vasculitis, optic neuropathy and (peri)orbital tuberculosis. Cellular therapies Transplantation keeps getting smaller. Organs and tissues are old news, and we’ve now moved on to cells, such as islet cells in type 1 diabetes. Cellular Therapies for Retinal Disease: A Strategic Approach “familiarizes the reader with the current landscape of cell-based therapies for the treatment of retinal disease”. Part I covers cell replacement therapy, which primarily refers to stem cell-derived RPE cells, whether from human embryonic or autologous in origin. Scaffolds and surgical approaches each receive their own chapter. Cell-based neuroprotection is the topic of Part II, in which subretinal delivery of cells via the suprachoroidal space is the most fascinating, at least from a surgical point of view. But first disease models had to be created, which is the topic of Part III. “Disease in a Dish” modelling is explained. This 140-page book is intended as an introduction to an exciting new field. Challenging topics Children with corneal problems can present challenges of their own. Simply examining a young patient in pain can be nearly impossible, much less making a diagnosis and initiating treatment. Corneal Diseases in Children: Challenges & Controversies starts by elucidating the approach to the child with a corneal condition. Pearls are offered: “Swaddling an infant and placing a lid speculum may induce crying, but typically allows for an adequate examination.” The following chapters prime the reader by covering the basic infections and allergies. The chapter on ocular surface disorders starts mildly, with tear film dysfunction, but then progresses to nightmares like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in children. Topics such as congenital anomalies, paediatric keratoconus and corneal surgery follow. This 150-page book relies primarily on text, rather than images, to inform its readers. This seems to work well, as many of the conditions described look similar to those in adults, despite often having different management strategies. Corneal Diseases in Children is intended for paediatric ophthalmologists, corneal specialists who also see children and courageous general ophthalmologists who are willing to take on the challenge of treating children rather than immediately referring.