Product Description

Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison. Previous edition, c1992, was authored by William M. Hart. Text provides the essential information of ophthalmology. Features recent advances including neuro-circuitry of the retina, ophthalmic facial anatomy, development of vision in infants, color vision, and ocular circulation. Halftone illustrations. DNLM: Ocular Physiology.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #324817 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 904 pages

Customer Reviews

An unfortunate necessity
When I spoke to ophthalmologists about studying ophthalmic physiology, they universally shuddered when remembering this book. Now I understand why.

Terribly written, at once too dense and not dense enough, Adler's is a book that everyone buys because there is no other option. If there was another option, this book would never have reached the tenth edition. I remember reading the section on Electrophysiology and retinal function, needing clarification. I finished the chapter with less of an idea about electro-oculograms and electroretinograms than when I started. Much of the book is like this.

For ophthalmic anatomy I am a Snell man through and through - Wolff is just too particular, too dense, the forest most definitely lost for the trees. But if you loved Wolff, couldn't get enough, then you'll probably also love Adler. But a textbook that's unable to give you any kind of broad brushstrokes before settling down into the minutiae is a terrible textbook in my opinion.

You'll buy it because there's no other choice. And in 10 years when a keen young doctor approaches you to talk of studying ophthalmic physiology, you too will shudder.

The DEFINITE Authority
The reviews on this book are generally mixed. While the book is a tough read, it is designed to be a comprehensive reference source for both clinicians and researchers alike. To this end, the book fulfills its purpose brilliantly. No where will you find the depth of analysis nor detailed facts regarding the subject matter. No where will you find this collection of both historical and current clinical milestones relevant to ocular physiology. If you want to just learn the basics, this book is not for you; but if you want a comprehensive, academic understanding of the structure and function of the eye... Adler's is it! No other reference comes close.

No pain, no gain
Yes, this can be a difficult book to read, and the end of each chapter does bring a feeling of relief.

However, since I first had to scour it cover-to-cover almost 20 years ago, I have not found another single volume resource that is so authoritative. If you are planning ophthalmic research or education this is a good place to start your study. Unfortunately, a lot of the established medical canon is just not logical to us in retrospect. I mean, who on earth named the retinal layers? Was the complement cascade nomenclature designed to frustrate people out of medical school? (yes, I know some stuff was discovered later so the numbers had to be fudged, but still).
Anyway, I had to put my two pence in because this book deserves a high rating.