"A normal effect of aging, cataracts account for nearly one million operations in the United States each year; the vast majority of these operations provide the cataract patient with an almost miraculous return of vision. Glaucoma strikes one in twenty-five people over the age of forty. Because of the insidiously painless course it takes, and public ignorance of the threat it poses, this disease often causes irreversible loss of vision before it is detected. Yet visual loss from glaucoma is almost completely avoidable if ophthalmological checkups are regularly performed on people over forty." "The Physician's Guide to Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Other Eye Problems separates myth from fact to give readers the most current, authoritative information on preserving their vision. Taking the patient step-by-step through diagnosis and treatment of both these visual problems, the author, a well-known ophthalmologist, provides clear understanding and reassurance about the instruments, machines, and tests that measure the extent of visual loss, and both the medical and surgical procedures to treat it. Readers will learn that it is possible to delay surgery indefinitely in some cases for both these conditions and how eye drops can control glaucoma while contact lenses and stronger glasses can compensate for cataract problems. The surgical procedure itself is demystified as the author explains in detail the operations for both cataracts and glaucoma and discusses what the patient can expect to experience during the pre- and postoperative period." "To better understand how cataracts and glaucoma affect vision, and to help readers practice the best eye care, Dr. Eden includes a complete explanation of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia; how contacts and eyeglasses work; and an explanation of common eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, sties, and corneal infections. With discussions about first aid for eye injuries and how to choose an eye doctor, The Physicians Guide to Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Other Eye Problems will help readers to maintain their vision throughout their lives."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved