Customer Reviews

The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Illustrated Manual of Ophthalmology, 2e

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Kudos to the authors!

This well-organized, concise and practical book begins where the Wills Manual left off. Drawing from a vast library of clinical photographs, the book serves both as a clinical resource and an atlas. The reader is expertly guided through both diagnosis and management.

I was very impressed and would recommend this book to any ophthalmologist or health care professional interested in eye care.

At this price range, the Mass Eye and Ear Manual of Ophthalmology is an adequate pocket reference for eye care practitioners. The 3rd edition has been expanded and is now better illustrated than its direct rival, the Manhattan Eye and Ear Color Atlas of Ophthalmology (the latter is noticeably less expensive, however).

Strengths:
1. Covers essentially the entire field of non-surgical ophthalmology in a compact and easy to read format.
2. Consistent layout and excellent illustrations. Great neuro-ophthalmic diagrams.
3. Outstanding reference for quick review.


Weaknesses:
1. Falls short of Wills Manual in terms of providing up to date therapy and diagnosis. The retinopathy of prematurity chapter still utilizes the old terminology of "rush" disease, although the newer term of Agressive Posterior ROP (AP-ROP) supplanted "rush disease" years ago.
2. Cannot be relied upon for treatment guidelines. Example: the authors list oral prednisone in the management of progressive outer retinal necrosis -- something that borders on malpractice in severely immunocompromized patients. I am not aware of any experts in the field of retina/uveitis who would endorse oral steroids in the treatment of progressive outer retinal necrosis. Furthermore, the initial regimen of antiviral agents described in the book is inadequate and will fail to control the spread of necrotizing retinitis in most of the cases.

Verdict:
Recommended with reservations.

An excellent handbook for clinical diagnosis and treatment, especially when alone in the ER in the middle of the night doing Ophtho consults. Probably not really for anyone but Ophthalmologists unless you are a primary care physician with no ophtho consultation avalable to you. Lots of full color pictures and bullet style diagnosis and treatment algorithms organized by system. It is the best $60 you'll spend as a general Ophthalmologist. Not really for test review or studying, just a quick primer on diagnosis and treatment of most eye problems. Should be standard issue on the first day of Ophthalmology residency.

This compact, soft-cover manual ($50) is very useful for primary care practitioners treating common eye problems and trauma. Well-organized, clear and concise text accompanies nicely labelled color photographs. Its quick reference format with recommendations and differential diagnoses is good for primary care and emergency departments.

This manual is definitely worth the money, however if I were forced to choose, I'd take the Wills Eye Manual. Some of the sections seem poorly organized and information can be hard to find. As another poster stated, the photos are excellent in quality. Not a bad choice for OD or ophthalmology residents, but I'd compare both before you buy if you are limited to one or the other.

Chris Gilmartin, OD

As far as content goes this manual is lacking in up to date therapies, and has a limited view on differential diagosis.Pictures are great, though, and in one small handy book. But, if you don't know what you're looking for it is very hard to find

Wonderful images and very useful to me for looking up things I see as I study optometry and practice as a student.

Great product! Has many illustrations, although some details are so small you can't really see what they are trying to show. Has useful diagnostic and treatment info.

I had the first edition when I was in school and got this newer edition for up to date info. It's just as good and organized in much the same way.

I wanted to compare this book with the Wills Eye Manual. I think that this book is better than Wills in a few way, the first way being that it is more comprehensive and discusses topics that are not in Wills such as fistulas and many other eye disease that are missed by Wills. I still think Wills is more concise and an easier review however. Wills also has more current treatment options so I think owning them both is a good idea.