Product Description

By the writer/host of the PBS Documentary based on this book, Beyond Glasses! helps consumers understand and compare all the current and coming treatments for nearsightedness, astigmatism, farsightedness and reading vision problems. The author draws on the experience of 26 of North Americas leading ophthalmologists to detail PRK, LASIK, RK and implantable techniques along with research on side effects and complications. 35 real patient storiesincluding some stars and star athletes illustrate the range of outcomes and reactions. Chapters on getting ready and recovering help optimize patient results.

Written by a patient for patients, Beyond Glasses! is easy to read without sacrificing depth and accesses the clinical experiences of the doctors who invented, developed and tested all the proceduresnot just a single doctors opinions as in many books on medical subjects.The 396-page second edition has been completely revised and updated to include current research, new patient stories and 4 added chapters. Beyond Glasses! includes 144 photos and graphics, a detailed index, and 12 pages of research notes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3823575 in Books
• Published on: 1998-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 390 pages

From Library Journal
These two books are amazingly similar in their accounts of the miracle of laser-corrected vision, a minutes-long procedure that gives the nearsighted and those with astigmatism a life without glasses or contacts. (The patient can have the procedure done in street clothes and walk away.) Both authors describe their own experiences as excimer laser treatment patients, presenting in a very readable fashion the conditions that can be treated, possible complications, equipment used, anatomy of the eye, alternative treatments, how to read vision-correction prescriptions, and future expectations. After reading either book, anyone contemplating this procedure will be able to make an informed decision. Caster, a board-certified ophthalmologist, offers additional information, including suggested reading, a list of organizations, and a glossary. Armstrong, president of a marketing communications agency, intersperses her text with helpful charts, photographs, and entertaining quotes?even a testimonial letter from Barry Manilow?although this reviewer found such tidbits rather distracting at times. Either title is recommended for consumer health collections in public and medical libraries, though very few libraries need both. If price is a factor, the Caster book is definitely the preferred choice.?Dixie Jones, Louisiana State Univ. Medical Ctr. Lib., Shreveport
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American
Beyond Glasses! is spectacular. This book is an enormous service to anyone considering laser vision correction. I know of no other resource like it.

From The New Yorker
This book is remarkably accurate, easy to read and inspirational.

Customer Reviews

Easily the Best Book Out on the Subject!
As an academic researcher I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't do any research at all on laser eye surgery until I had a rather disastrous experience with the Lasik procedure. Then I went looking for answers. This book is the one to be read by anyone who is considering this procedure or trying to recover from it, as I am. The book is extremely well done, balanced and it covers all the options, not just the lasik surgery. Furthermore I was able to locate an experienced consulting opthalmologist through the physician listings in the back of Beyond Glasses, who just might give me clear vision someday, and the author makes free research updates available to readers through her website.

Contrary to the views of someone below, I found the See Like a Hawk Book, which is written by a doctor, to be a repetition of the information I received in my doctor's brochures and consent forms. I can't imagine how that reviewer formed his/her opinion that it is a better book by any measure than Beyond Glasses! As for the other books out--they aren't any better than Hawk and pale by comparision to Beyond Glasses. (disclaimer: I did not buy any of the medical textbooks on the subject)

I hope I can add a personal note of gratitude to Franette Armstrong for writing such a complete resource. Since she isn't a doctor, she has nothing to gain from helping people like me other than from sales of her excellent book. I encourage all of you prospective patients to do yourself a favor and support her work.

Necholai K. Larssen, Ph.D., New York

Essential for prospective laser vision correction patients
This book provides information that you will not easily find anywhere else. Its consumer focus allows for unbiased and full information. The medical publications cited backup much of the text. Anyone considering vision surgery must be as informed as possible; this is the answer!

Second Edition Even Better Than First One!
I came here to thank Ms. Armstrong for writing not only the best book in the field of vision alternatives, but for topping it with a fantastic second edition. But when I got here I saw a couple of remarks about there not being enough LASIK info and about there being too MUCH info! The second edition has a HUGE LASIK CHAPTER with much, much more than you'll ever get from doctor websites. As for too much stuff, I don't get this comment unless it was written by a doctor who wants patients docile and ignorant. Beyond Glasses has dozens of complete patient case studies that are fascinating to read. It has real research broken down so even I can get it. It has charts comparing all the methods of fixing vision. It has long chapters on all the most popular methods including PRK, LASIK, RK and the newer stuff like the implanted Rings and Contacts. I bought everything there was to buy on the subject and read all the docotor's websites. Believe me, this book tops them all. So I just want to say, thanks Ms. Armstron for taking time to help me and everyone else who cares enough about our vision to want all the information before we decide what to do. Your resource Guide helped me pick my doctor, and your book helped me decide what surgery to have and I am thrilled with my NEW VISION!!!