Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, December 2004, Volume 24, Issue 4

Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEWS Adler's Physiology of the Eye: Clinical Application, Tenth Edition Paul L. Kaufman and Albert Aim, Editors. Mosby, St. Louis, MO, 2003. ISBN: 0- 323- 01136- 5. $ 102.00 Scope: This tenth edition of Adler's Physiology of the Eye is a comprehensive, single- volume, multi- authored text­book of ocular physiology designed to be a reference text for preclinical scientists and clinicians. It emphasizes clinical applications of the exponentially expanding knowl­edge base of ocular physiology, morphology, and molecu­lar biology. Contents: The book is divided into 14 sections, each with a separate editor. Each section covers broad topics, including the ocular surface, the cornea and sclera, the lens, optics and refraction, accommodation and presbyopia, aqueous humor hydrodynamics, the vitreous, the retina, visual perception, the optic nerve, the central visual pathways, the pupil, ocu­lar circulation, and extraocular muscles/ eye movements. Topics covered include anatomy, development, physiol­ogy, and pathophysiology. Each chapter is a thoroughly ref­erenced ( more than 500 references in some chapters) up- to-date review with extensive figures, illustrations, diagrams, and clinical photographs. Of particular interest to neuro- ophthalmologists are the sections about retina, optic nerve, visual perception, the central visual pathways, the pupil, extraocular muscles, and eye movements. The visual perception section provides a comprehensive overview of several areas rarely discussed, including entoptic phenomena, visual acuity, early visual processing of spatial form, binocular vision, temporal prop­erties of vision, development of vision in infancy, perimetry and visual field testing, color vision, and visual adaptation. The central visual pathways section is organized anatomi­cally, including chapters on the retino- geniculate projec­tions, the lateral geniculate nucleus, the primary visual cor­tex, and the extrastriate cortex, as well as a chapter on visual deprivation. The final section on extraocular muscles and eye movements has three chapters, with the latter two in­cluding explanations of three- dimensional rotations of the eye and the neural control of eye movements. Interesting new additions to the text include updated descriptions of the neural circuitry of the retina, ophthalmic facial anatomy, and ocular circulation. Strengths: This is an updated and revised edition of a clas­sic. It is arguably the most important single- volume refer­ence for scientists and clinicians seeking information or in­sight into any aspect of vision science. At the same time, it is enjoyable to read, chapter by chapter, for anyone who is fascinated by the workings of the eye and its brain connec­tions. The chosen authors are all recognized experts in their fields, and the text covers all aspects of the visual system. Information gathered from basic science research is used to explain ocular physiology. Clinical correlations aid in the understanding and application of the basics of vision sci­ence to patient care. The figures and tables are clear and complement the text well. The chapters on the pupil, the optic nerve, ocular circulation, the extraocular muscles, three- dimensional rotations of the eye, and the neural con­trol of eye movements are spectacular. Weaknesses: A minor criticism is that many of the photo­graphs of the eye and histologic sections would be better viewed as color reproductions. There is a small color plate section in the back of the book that includes 22 color figures that seem to be arbitrarily chosen. Like any other multi-authored text, there is some unevenness to the writing style. Recommended audience: This book is intended for pre­clinical scientists and clinicians but is equally useful for ophthalmologists and students of vision science. Critical appraisal: The editors have created a comprehen­sive, up- to- date text on ocular physiology. This book should be an invaluable addition to any neuro- ophthalmol-ogist's collection. Dr. Adler would be proud of this latest version of his classic text. Nicholas J. Volpe, MD Scheie Eye Institute University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ophthalmology, Second Edition Myron Yanoff and Jay S. Duker, Editors. Mosby, St. Louis, MO, 2004. ISBN: 0- 323- 01634- 0. $ 269.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored textbook divided into 12 parts, with section editors overseeing each part. The far right sides of the pages in each section are tagged with a color for quick reference to that section. The sections are: 1) genetics and ocular embryology; 2) optics and refraction; 3) refractive surgery; 4) lens; 5) cornea and external dis­ease; 6) strabismus; 7) orbit and oculoplastics; 8) retina and vitreous; 9) intraocular tumors; 10) uveitis and other intraocular inflammations; 11) neuro- ophthalmology; and 12) glaucoma. The book covers essentially all of ophthalmology. It has many excellent tables, diagrams, and color photographs. Strengths: This textbook is better written than the first edi­tion or any other single volume textbook of ophthalmology. The amount and quality of the illustrations provide needed detail in understanding and evaluating disease. The color 348 JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 BOOK REVIEWS Adler's Physiology of the Eye: Clinical Application, Tenth Edition Paul L. Kaufman and Albert Aim, Editors. Mosby, St. Louis, MO, 2003. ISBN: 0- 323- 01136- 5. $ 102.00 Scope: This tenth edition of Adler's Physiology of the Eye is a comprehensive, single- volume, multi- authored text­book of ocular physiology designed to be a reference text for preclinical scientists and clinicians. It emphasizes clinical applications of the exponentially expanding knowl­edge base of ocular physiology, morphology, and molecu­lar biology. Contents: The book is divided into 14 sections, each with a separate editor. Each section covers broad topics, including the ocular surface, the cornea and sclera, the lens, optics and refraction, accommodation and presbyopia, aqueous humor hydrodynamics, the vitreous, the retina, visual perception, the optic nerve, the central visual pathways, the pupil, ocu­lar circulation, and extraocular muscles/ eye movements. Topics covered include anatomy, development, physiol­ogy, and pathophysiology. Each chapter is a thoroughly ref­erenced ( more than 500 references in some chapters) up- to-date review with extensive figures, illustrations, diagrams, and clinical photographs. Of particular interest to neuro- ophthalmologists are the sections about retina, optic nerve, visual perception, the central visual pathways, the pupil, extraocular muscles, and eye movements. The visual perception section provides a comprehensive overview of several areas rarely discussed, including entoptic phenomena, visual acuity, early visual processing of spatial form, binocular vision, temporal prop­erties of vision, development of vision in infancy, perimetry and visual field testing, color vision, and visual adaptation. The central visual pathways section is organized anatomi­cally, including chapters on the retino- geniculate projec­tions, the lateral geniculate nucleus, the primary visual cor­tex, and the extrastriate cortex, as well as a chapter on visual deprivation. The final section on extraocular muscles and eye movements has three chapters, with the latter two in­cluding explanations of three- dimensional rotations of the eye and the neural control of eye movements. Interesting new additions to the text include updated descriptions of the neural circuitry of the retina, ophthalmic facial anatomy, and ocular circulation. Strengths: This is an updated and revised edition of a clas­sic. It is arguably the most important single- volume refer­ence for scientists and clinicians seeking information or in­sight into any aspect of vision science. At the same time, it is enjoyable to read, chapter by chapter, for anyone who is fascinated by the workings of the eye and its brain connec­tions. The chosen authors are all recognized experts in their fields, and the text covers all aspects of the visual system. Information gathered from basic science research is used to explain ocular physiology. Clinical correlations aid in the understanding and application of the basics of vision sci­ence to patient care. The figures and tables are clear and complement the text well. The chapters on the pupil, the optic nerve, ocular circulation, the extraocular muscles, three- dimensional rotations of the eye, and the neural con­trol of eye movements are spectacular. Weaknesses: A minor criticism is that many of the photo­graphs of the eye and histologic sections would be better viewed as color reproductions. There is a small color plate section in the back of the book that includes 22 color figures that seem to be arbitrarily chosen. Like any other multi-authored text, there is some unevenness to the writing style. Recommended audience: This book is intended for pre­clinical scientists and clinicians but is equally useful for ophthalmologists and students of vision science. Critical appraisal: The editors have created a comprehen­sive, up- to- date text on ocular physiology. This book should be an invaluable addition to any neuro- ophthalmol-ogist's collection. Dr. Adler would be proud of this latest version of his classic text. Nicholas J. Volpe, MD Scheie Eye Institute University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ophthalmology, Second Edition Myron Yanoff and Jay S. Duker, Editors. Mosby, St. Louis, MO, 2004. ISBN: 0- 323- 01634- 0. $ 269.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored textbook divided into 12 parts, with section editors overseeing each part. The far right sides of the pages in each section are tagged with a color for quick reference to that section. The sections are: 1) genetics and ocular embryology; 2) optics and refraction; 3) refractive surgery; 4) lens; 5) cornea and external dis­ease; 6) strabismus; 7) orbit and oculoplastics; 8) retina and vitreous; 9) intraocular tumors; 10) uveitis and other intraocular inflammations; 11) neuro- ophthalmology; and 12) glaucoma. The book covers essentially all of ophthalmology. It has many excellent tables, diagrams, and color photographs. Strengths: This textbook is better written than the first edi­tion or any other single volume textbook of ophthalmology. The amount and quality of the illustrations provide needed detail in understanding and evaluating disease. The color 348 JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 Book Reviews JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 coding makes for easy and quick reference to the specific section. The information is up- to- date. Weaknesses: There is an occasional chapter that does not flow with the rest of the section. Some sections rely heavily on a single author, others on many authors with uneven re­sults. The textbook is heavy and awkward to carry. Recommended audience: Ophthalmology residents and general ophthalmologists should find this an excel­lent resource. Critical appraisal: This is a first- class and up- to- date text­book that would make a useful reference in most personal and departmental libraries. Susan M. Ksiazek, MD The University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Diagnostic and Interventional Neuro- Radiology: A Multimodality Approach Klaus Sartor, Editor. Thieme, Stuttgart, 2002. ISBN: 1- 58890- 112- 2. $ 99.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored, highly illustrated text that attempts to briefly encompass all of neuroradiology in short focused segments. It is not intended for in- depth study by neuroradiologists or even residents specializing in neurora­diology, but is a reasonable overview for non- neuroradi-ologists, and for radiologists attempting to keep abreast of new developments. The book is divided into two major sections titled " Diagnosis: Imaging Procedures" and " Treatment: Inter­ventional Procedures." The former is further subdivided into craniocerebral diseases, including sections on diagnos­tic methodology, malformations, traumatic lesions, tumors and tumor- like diseases, vascular diseases, infection and in­flammation, demyelinating and degenerative diseases, iat­rogenic lesions, and effects of medical conditions. A second section within " Diagnosis: Imaging Procedures" is devoted to spinal diseases. This includes subsections on normal findings, malformations, developmental abnormalities, traumatic lesions, spinal tumors and tumor- like diseases, vascular diseases, infections and inflammations, demyelin­ating and degenerative diseases, and other diseases of the spinal column. A third section within " Diagnosis" includes neuromuscular diseases. This includes sections on progres­sive muscular dystrophy, neurogenic diseases, myositis, and other muscular diseases. The second half of the text discusses interventional procedures and treatment, including subsections on endo-vascular treatment of craniocerebral diseases. There are chapters on materials and methods, treatment of arteriove­nous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, cerebral aneu­rysms, and pre- operative devascularization of hypervascu-lar tumors. There are also presentations on thrombolysis and angioplasty, although these tend to be superficial. The section on spinal disease includes treatment of angiodyspla-sias and fistulas, preoperative devascularization of tumors, percutaneous nucleotomy, and pain management. Strengths: Although covering a very large field that is un­dergoing rapid expansion, this text is short enough to be readable. It mentions newer sequences and less clinically used procedures, such as positron emission tomography, single- photon emission computed tomography, and blood flow analysis. There are multiple illustrations with classic neuroimaging findings. The tables are helpful, and many of the illustrations are quite good. Weaknesses: Two of the major weaknesses here are insti­tutional. First, this is a translation of a German text and thus differs in some respects from the approach found in the United States. The second major problem is its multi-authored nature. The editor has gone to some lengths to avoid repetition and clearly has performed substantial edit­ing within sections. Nonetheless, some sections are weaker than others, particularly the section on endovascular treat­ment of craniocerebral diseases. The illustrations could be larger. Some of the figures are repeated unnecessarily, and arrows highlighting the figures would be helpful. Some of the therapeutic recommendations are a bit conservative, such as suggesting that aneurysm embolization be reserved for patients with inoperable aneurysms or those with unac­ceptable surgical risk. Recommended audience: Although the target audience of this text is clearly radiologists, it is undoubtedly valuable to those in neurosurgery, neurology, and neuro- ophthalmology. Critical appraisal: This text will not teach a neuro-ophthalmologist all there is to know about neuroradiology. Some of the classifications may be at odds with opinion of local consultants. Nonetheless, this is a highly useful over­view of neuroradiology in very readable form. Steven A. Newman, MD University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Disorders of Myelin in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems Fernando Dangond, Editor. Butterworth- Heinemann, Woburn, MA, 2002. ISBN: 0- 7506- 7253- 6. $ 145.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored compilation of current clinical and basic science information pertaining to disor­ders of myelin in both the central and peripheral nervous 349 Book Reviews JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 coding makes for easy and quick reference to the specific section. The information is up- to- date. Weaknesses: There is an occasional chapter that does not flow with the rest of the section. Some sections rely heavily on a single author, others on many authors with uneven re­sults. The textbook is heavy and awkward to carry. Recommended audience: Ophthalmology residents and general ophthalmologists should find this an excel­lent resource. Critical appraisal: This is a first- class and up- to- date text­book that would make a useful reference in most personal and departmental libraries. Susan M. Ksiazek, MD The University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Diagnostic and Interventional Neuro- Radiology: A Multimodality Approach Klaus Sartor, Editor. Thieme, Stuttgart, 2002. ISBN: 1- 58890- 112- 2. $ 99.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored, highly illustrated text that attempts to briefly encompass all of neuroradiology in short focused segments. It is not intended for in- depth study by neuroradiologists or even residents specializing in neurora­diology, but is a reasonable overview for non- neuroradi-ologists, and for radiologists attempting to keep abreast of new developments. The book is divided into two major sections titled " Diagnosis: Imaging Procedures" and " Treatment: Inter­ventional Procedures." The former is further subdivided into craniocerebral diseases, including sections on diagnos­tic methodology, malformations, traumatic lesions, tumors and tumor- like diseases, vascular diseases, infection and in­flammation, demyelinating and degenerative diseases, iat­rogenic lesions, and effects of medical conditions. A second section within " Diagnosis: Imaging Procedures" is devoted to spinal diseases. This includes subsections on normal findings, malformations, developmental abnormalities, traumatic lesions, spinal tumors and tumor- like diseases, vascular diseases, infections and inflammations, demyelin­ating and degenerative diseases, and other diseases of the spinal column. A third section within " Diagnosis" includes neuromuscular diseases. This includes sections on progres­sive muscular dystrophy, neurogenic diseases, myositis, and other muscular diseases. The second half of the text discusses interventional procedures and treatment, including subsections on endo-vascular treatment of craniocerebral diseases. There are chapters on materials and methods, treatment of arteriove­nous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, cerebral aneu­rysms, and pre- operative devascularization of hypervascu-lar tumors. There are also presentations on thrombolysis and angioplasty, although these tend to be superficial. The section on spinal disease includes treatment of angiodyspla-sias and fistulas, preoperative devascularization of tumors, percutaneous nucleotomy, and pain management. Strengths: Although covering a very large field that is un­dergoing rapid expansion, this text is short enough to be readable. It mentions newer sequences and less clinically used procedures, such as positron emission tomography, single- photon emission computed tomography, and blood flow analysis. There are multiple illustrations with classic neuroimaging findings. The tables are helpful, and many of the illustrations are quite good. Weaknesses: Two of the major weaknesses here are insti­tutional. First, this is a translation of a German text and thus differs in some respects from the approach found in the United States. The second major problem is its multi-authored nature. The editor has gone to some lengths to avoid repetition and clearly has performed substantial edit­ing within sections. Nonetheless, some sections are weaker than others, particularly the section on endovascular treat­ment of craniocerebral diseases. The illustrations could be larger. Some of the figures are repeated unnecessarily, and arrows highlighting the figures would be helpful. Some of the therapeutic recommendations are a bit conservative, such as suggesting that aneurysm embolization be reserved for patients with inoperable aneurysms or those with unac­ceptable surgical risk. Recommended audience: Although the target audience of this text is clearly radiologists, it is undoubtedly valuable to those in neurosurgery, neurology, and neuro- ophthalmology. Critical appraisal: This text will not teach a neuro-ophthalmologist all there is to know about neuroradiology. Some of the classifications may be at odds with opinion of local consultants. Nonetheless, this is a highly useful over­view of neuroradiology in very readable form. Steven A. Newman, MD University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Disorders of Myelin in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems Fernando Dangond, Editor. Butterworth- Heinemann, Woburn, MA, 2002. ISBN: 0- 7506- 7253- 6. $ 145.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored compilation of current clinical and basic science information pertaining to disor­ders of myelin in both the central and peripheral nervous 349 Book Reviews JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 coding makes for easy and quick reference to the specific section. The information is up- to- date. Weaknesses: There is an occasional chapter that does not flow with the rest of the section. Some sections rely heavily on a single author, others on many authors with uneven re­sults. The textbook is heavy and awkward to carry. Recommended audience: Ophthalmology residents and general ophthalmologists should find this an excel­lent resource. Critical appraisal: This is a first- class and up- to- date text­book that would make a useful reference in most personal and departmental libraries. Susan M. Ksiazek, MD The University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Diagnostic and Interventional Neuro- Radiology: A Multimodality Approach Klaus Sartor, Editor. Thieme, Stuttgart, 2002. ISBN: 1- 58890- 112- 2. $ 99.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored, highly illustrated text that attempts to briefly encompass all of neuroradiology in short focused segments. It is not intended for in- depth study by neuroradiologists or even residents specializing in neurora­diology, but is a reasonable overview for non- neuroradi-ologists, and for radiologists attempting to keep abreast of new developments. The book is divided into two major sections titled " Diagnosis: Imaging Procedures" and " Treatment: Inter­ventional Procedures." The former is further subdivided into craniocerebral diseases, including sections on diagnos­tic methodology, malformations, traumatic lesions, tumors and tumor- like diseases, vascular diseases, infection and in­flammation, demyelinating and degenerative diseases, iat­rogenic lesions, and effects of medical conditions. A second section within " Diagnosis: Imaging Procedures" is devoted to spinal diseases. This includes subsections on normal findings, malformations, developmental abnormalities, traumatic lesions, spinal tumors and tumor- like diseases, vascular diseases, infections and inflammations, demyelin­ating and degenerative diseases, and other diseases of the spinal column. A third section within " Diagnosis" includes neuromuscular diseases. This includes sections on progres­sive muscular dystrophy, neurogenic diseases, myositis, and other muscular diseases. The second half of the text discusses interventional procedures and treatment, including subsections on endo-vascular treatment of craniocerebral diseases. There are chapters on materials and methods, treatment of arteriove­nous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, cerebral aneu­rysms, and pre- operative devascularization of hypervascu-lar tumors. There are also presentations on thrombolysis and angioplasty, although these tend to be superficial. The section on spinal disease includes treatment of angiodyspla-sias and fistulas, preoperative devascularization of tumors, percutaneous nucleotomy, and pain management. Strengths: Although covering a very large field that is un­dergoing rapid expansion, this text is short enough to be readable. It mentions newer sequences and less clinically used procedures, such as positron emission tomography, single- photon emission computed tomography, and blood flow analysis. There are multiple illustrations with classic neuroimaging findings. The tables are helpful, and many of the illustrations are quite good. Weaknesses: Two of the major weaknesses here are insti­tutional. First, this is a translation of a German text and thus differs in some respects from the approach found in the United States. The second major problem is its multi-authored nature. The editor has gone to some lengths to avoid repetition and clearly has performed substantial edit­ing within sections. Nonetheless, some sections are weaker than others, particularly the section on endovascular treat­ment of craniocerebral diseases. The illustrations could be larger. Some of the figures are repeated unnecessarily, and arrows highlighting the figures would be helpful. Some of the therapeutic recommendations are a bit conservative, such as suggesting that aneurysm embolization be reserved for patients with inoperable aneurysms or those with unac­ceptable surgical risk. Recommended audience: Although the target audience of this text is clearly radiologists, it is undoubtedly valuable to those in neurosurgery, neurology, and neuro- ophthalmology. Critical appraisal: This text will not teach a neuro-ophthalmologist all there is to know about neuroradiology. Some of the classifications may be at odds with opinion of local consultants. Nonetheless, this is a highly useful over­view of neuroradiology in very readable form. Steven A. Newman, MD University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Disorders of Myelin in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems Fernando Dangond, Editor. Butterworth- Heinemann, Woburn, MA, 2002. ISBN: 0- 7506- 7253- 6. $ 145.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored compilation of current clinical and basic science information pertaining to disor­ders of myelin in both the central and peripheral nervous 349 JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 Book Reviews systems. Each of the 18 chapters contributes to a cohesive and concise review of the genetics, immune mechanisms, pathology, and clinical differentiation of disease processes directly affecting myelin, including multiple sclerosis, he­reditary leukodystrophies, human T- cell lymphotropic vi­rus type I- associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic parapare­sis, HlV- related dysmyelination, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, Guillain- Barre syndrome, and more. Many of the authors are well- known researchers and clinicians who share personal and thoughtful insight into directions for future research areas. Up- to- date, extensive references are included at the end of each chapter, and a 15- page atlas of color plates enhances understanding of the textual concepts. Strengths: For its 363 pages, this book manages to include a remarkable amount of material ranging from reviews of causative factors in multiple sclerosis to electrophysiologic diagnostic criteria for Guillain- Barre syndrome to prin­ciples of magnetic resonance imaging and DNAmicroarray analysis. The text is heavily focused on discussion of all aspects of multiple sclerosis, including a well- organized and interesting chapter called " Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis: From Bench to Bedside." In this chapter, the roles of various immunologic contributors to the demyelinating process are considered in the context of experimental research and current and future therapeutic applications. Concise chapters entitled " Mag­netic Resonance Imaging in Disease Progression in Mul­tiple Sclerosis" and " Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Disease- Modifying Treatments" summarize the current ap­proach to utilization of these entities based on recent trials. Weaknesses: Differences in writing style inherent in a multi- authored book are present in this text, with some chapters of higher quality than others. Organization of the text in certain segments of the book is somewhat unusual. For example, in the midst of several chapters on multiple sclerosis, there is a chapter that elaborates on interpretation of electrodiagnostic criteria of peripheral neuropathies, re­quiring a major shift in mind set from central to peripheral demyelination and back again if one were reading the chap­ters consecutively. Recommended audience: This book is most appropriate for anyone involved in the care of demyelinating disorders. Critical appraisal: Overall, this book is a highly inclusive yet compact review of central and peripheral demyelinating disease with insight into the research and perspectives of its respected authors. It is unique in focusing on central or pe­ripheral demyelination processes. Janet C. Rucker, MD Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Cleveland, Ohio Perceptual Learning Manfred Fahle and Tomaso Poggio, Editors. The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 2003. ISBN: 0- 262- 06221- 6. $ 68.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored book consisting of chapters written by scientists in perceptual learning. It intends to be a comprehensive presentation of advances made in the past decade in the understanding of perceptual learning. The edi­tors define perceptual learning as " any relatively permanent and consistent change in the perception of a stimulus array following practice or experience... [ that is] relatively inde­pendent from conscious experience... [ and that] seems to directly modify the neuronal pathways active during pro­cessing of the task..." Thus, a purely sensory experience that modifies neuronal pathways and leads to an alteration in perception and implicit memory. The information presented deals with changes in pri­mary sensory cortices as a result of perceptual learning in the adult. Modern studies of perceptual learning have ex­panded the concept of cortical plasticity from what was thought to be an early- in- life phenomenon to a process that continues after birth. The " classical view" dictates that such change should not be found past the early postnatal period. However, the crucial finding represented by this collection of articles is that synaptic plasticity continues to be a factor that subtly reshapes even primary sensory cortices through­out adulthood. The book is divided into four sections. The first sec­tion ( seven chapters), " Anatomy and Physiology," deals with changes at the neuronal and synaptic level with em­phasis on interneuronal connections. The second section ( five chapters), " Low- Level Psychophysics," reviews learning on a systems level mainly investigated by psycho­physical techniques. The third section ( five chapters), " Higher- Level Psychophysics," covers topics such as cog­nition and learning of visual objects and tasks. The fourth section ( three chapters), " Modeling," presents models that attempt to tie all of this material together. One chapter is particularly interesting because it reviews experimental data regarding the changes found in the receptive fields of cells in the primary visual cortex after retinal lesions, cor­tical lesions, or artificially induced scotomas. Strengths: The chapters are a balanced mix of relatively broad reviews and are clearly written, detailed presenta­tions of specific experiments and topics. Especially infor­mative are broadly oriented chapters by Manfred Fahle, " Introduction"; Siegrid Lowel and Wolf Singer, " Experi­ence- Dependent Plasticity of Intracortical Connections"; Hubert Dinse and Michael Merzenich, " Adaptation of Inputs in the Somatosensory System"; Annette Sterr, Thomas Elbert, and Brigitte Rockstroh, " Functional Reor­ganization of Human Cerebral Cortex and Its Perceptual 350 © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 Book Reviews systems. Each of the 18 chapters contributes to a cohesive and concise review of the genetics, immune mechanisms, pathology, and clinical differentiation of disease processes directly affecting myelin, including multiple sclerosis, he­reditary leukodystrophies, human T- cell lymphotropic vi­rus type I- associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic parapare­sis, HlV- related dysmyelination, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, Guillain- Barre syndrome, and more. Many of the authors are well- known researchers and clinicians who share personal and thoughtful insight into directions for future research areas. Up- to- date, extensive references are included at the end of each chapter, and a 15- page atlas of color plates enhances understanding of the textual concepts. Strengths: For its 363 pages, this book manages to include a remarkable amount of material ranging from reviews of causative factors in multiple sclerosis to electrophysiologic diagnostic criteria for Guillain- Barre syndrome to prin­ciples of magnetic resonance imaging and DNAmicroarray analysis. The text is heavily focused on discussion of all aspects of multiple sclerosis, including a well- organized and interesting chapter called " Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis: From Bench to Bedside." In this chapter, the roles of various immunologic contributors to the demyelinating process are considered in the context of experimental research and current and future therapeutic applications. Concise chapters entitled " Mag­netic Resonance Imaging in Disease Progression in Mul­tiple Sclerosis" and " Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Disease- Modifying Treatments" summarize the current ap­proach to utilization of these entities based on recent trials. Weaknesses: Differences in writing style inherent in a multi- authored book are present in this text, with some chapters of higher quality than others. Organization of the text in certain segments of the book is somewhat unusual. For example, in the midst of several chapters on multiple sclerosis, there is a chapter that elaborates on interpretation of electrodiagnostic criteria of peripheral neuropathies, re­quiring a major shift in mind set from central to peripheral demyelination and back again if one were reading the chap­ters consecutively. Recommended audience: This book is most appropriate for anyone involved in the care of demyelinating disorders. Critical appraisal: Overall, this book is a highly inclusive yet compact review of central and peripheral demyelinating disease with insight into the research and perspectives of its respected authors. It is unique in focusing on central or pe­ripheral demyelination processes. Janet C. Rucker, MD Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Cleveland, Ohio Perceptual Learning Manfred Fahle and Tomaso Poggio, Editors. The MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 2003. ISBN: 0- 262- 06221- 6. $ 68.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored book consisting of chapters written by scientists in perceptual learning. It intends to be a comprehensive presentation of advances made in the past decade in the understanding of perceptual learning. The edi­tors define perceptual learning as " any relatively permanent and consistent change in the perception of a stimulus array following practice or experience... [ that is] relatively inde­pendent from conscious experience... [ and that] seems to directly modify the neuronal pathways active during pro­cessing of the task..." Thus, a purely sensory experience that modifies neuronal pathways and leads to an alteration in perception and implicit memory. The information presented deals with changes in pri­mary sensory cortices as a result of perceptual learning in the adult. Modern studies of perceptual learning have ex­panded the concept of cortical plasticity from what was thought to be an early- in- life phenomenon to a process that continues after birth. The " classical view" dictates that such change should not be found past the early postnatal period. However, the crucial finding represented by this collection of articles is that synaptic plasticity continues to be a factor that subtly reshapes even primary sensory cortices through­out adulthood. The book is divided into four sections. The first sec­tion ( seven chapters), " Anatomy and Physiology," deals with changes at the neuronal and synaptic level with em­phasis on interneuronal connections. The second section ( five chapters), " Low- Level Psychophysics," reviews learning on a systems level mainly investigated by psycho­physical techniques. The third section ( five chapters), " Higher- Level Psychophysics," covers topics such as cog­nition and learning of visual objects and tasks. The fourth section ( three chapters), " Modeling," presents models that attempt to tie all of this material together. One chapter is particularly interesting because it reviews experimental data regarding the changes found in the receptive fields of cells in the primary visual cortex after retinal lesions, cor­tical lesions, or artificially induced scotomas. Strengths: The chapters are a balanced mix of relatively broad reviews and are clearly written, detailed presenta­tions of specific experiments and topics. Especially infor­mative are broadly oriented chapters by Manfred Fahle, " Introduction"; Siegrid Lowel and Wolf Singer, " Experi­ence- Dependent Plasticity of Intracortical Connections"; Hubert Dinse and Michael Merzenich, " Adaptation of Inputs in the Somatosensory System"; Annette Sterr, Thomas Elbert, and Brigitte Rockstroh, " Functional Reor­ganization of Human Cerebral Cortex and Its Perceptual 350 © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 Concomitants"; and Pawan Sinha and Tomaso Poggio, " High- Level Learning of Early Visual Tasks." The chapters are profusely referenced, which allows this to be a good, solitary, up- to- date source for further study. Weaknesses: This is not a textbook and thus is not a start-to- finish development of the topic. It is a specialized col­lection that assumes a good knowledge of cortical organi­zation and functioning. Some of the more experiment-oriented chapters will be of interest to only a narrow spectrum of readers. Fahle suggests in the Introduction that perceptual learning offers hope for disorders such as am­blyopia, prosopagnosia, visual field defects, and Alzheimer disease, but he does not present any supportive evidence for this claim. Throughout the text there are also occasional references to visual training techniques that might reduce visual deficits on the basis of perceptual learning without a critical review of the subject or other plausible explanations for recovery. Recommended audience: Because of the extensive review of experimental data, the text is directed toward scientists in the field of brain physiology and plasticity. However, clini­cians in specialties associated with neuroscience may find this book interesting. Critical appraisal: The selection of topics and authors demonstrates that this collection was well thought out as a vehicle to introduce current thinking on the topic. The pre­sentations are readable and attention was clearly paid to reducing jargon. Evidence is given in enough detail to allow the reader to understand the basis of the conclusions and speculations. Mark W. Dubin, PhD Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Victoria S. Pelak, MD Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology University of Colorado School of Medicine Denver, Colorado Binocular Anomalies: Diagnosis and Vision Therapy, Fourth Edition John R. Griffin and J. David Grisham. Butterworth- Heine-mann, Amsterdam, 2002. ISBN: 0- 7506- 7369- 9. $ 92.00 Scope: This book is the most complete text available detail­ing current optometric concepts of the physiology of nor­mal binocular vision, pathologic binocular states, and vari­ous types of vision therapy used to correct them. It also chronicles the history of optometric vision training in the United States and Europe. The text is subdivided into three sections: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Techniques. Following the text are numer­ous appendices, a lengthy self- assessment examination, and a glossary and index. The Diagnosis section commences with a section on normal binocular vision and proceeds to discuss ways to examine eye movements, ocular alignment, and degree of binocular cooperation. Further chapters cover diagnosis and prognosis of comitant strabismus and strabismus caused by neurologic and orbital disease. The section con­cludes with a brief discussion of nystagmus. The Treatment section nicely reviews the current op­tometric concepts of treatment of amblyopia, abnormal reti­nal correspondence, strabismus, and nystagmus. A final chapter examines problems with " vision efficiency" and in­cludes common causes of asthenopia and vague visual symptoms such as those attributed to aniseikonia, accom­modation abnormalities, vergence abnormalities, and prob­lems with pursuit and saccadic eye movements. The final section is an exhaustive collection of tech­niques for visual training in the office and at home. It in­cludes much information with which the ophthalmologist will be quite familiar ( occlusion, vergence exercises, orthop­tic and synoptophore training), but the bulk of matter dis­cussed will likely be foreign to most medical readers ( Remy separator, chiastopic fusion, useful field of view). The final chapter discusses different practice scenarios in which an optometrist may use vision training and lists vision therapy techniques for all conditions covered in the book. In the appendices is a joint statement from the Ameri­can Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association on vision, learning, and dyslexia, which is pri­marily at odds with the parallel statement on vision training for reading problems from the American Academy of Oph­thalmology and the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Strengths: There is much in this book for which the oph­thalmologist and optometrist will find common ground. The sections on accommodation, stereopsis, strabismus evaluation, vision testing in children, and sensory adapta­tions to strabismus are well- written and concise. Ambly­opia management is well- covered and even includes optical penalization and levodopa treatment. The sections on tech­niques of vision training ( which ophthalmologists may not agree with) read very well and are extremely thorough. The authors are frank with their biases and state that " in most cases of significant heterophoria and intermittent strabis­mus" vision training should be recommended. Weaknesses: The neurology of eye movements is covered sparsely, with little attention to current neuroanatomic and 351 Book Reviews JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 Concomitants"; and Pawan Sinha and Tomaso Poggio, " High- Level Learning of Early Visual Tasks." The chapters are profusely referenced, which allows this to be a good, solitary, up- to- date source for further study. Weaknesses: This is not a textbook and thus is not a start-to- finish development of the topic. It is a specialized col­lection that assumes a good knowledge of cortical organi­zation and functioning. Some of the more experiment-oriented chapters will be of interest to only a narrow spectrum of readers. Fahle suggests in the Introduction that perceptual learning offers hope for disorders such as am­blyopia, prosopagnosia, visual field defects, and Alzheimer disease, but he does not present any supportive evidence for this claim. Throughout the text there are also occasional references to visual training techniques that might reduce visual deficits on the basis of perceptual learning without a critical review of the subject or other plausible explanations for recovery. Recommended audience: Because of the extensive review of experimental data, the text is directed toward scientists in the field of brain physiology and plasticity. However, clini­cians in specialties associated with neuroscience may find this book interesting. Critical appraisal: The selection of topics and authors demonstrates that this collection was well thought out as a vehicle to introduce current thinking on the topic. The pre­sentations are readable and attention was clearly paid to reducing jargon. Evidence is given in enough detail to allow the reader to understand the basis of the conclusions and speculations. Mark W. Dubin, PhD Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado Victoria S. Pelak, MD Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology University of Colorado School of Medicine Denver, Colorado Binocular Anomalies: Diagnosis and Vision Therapy, Fourth Edition John R. Griffin and J. David Grisham. Butterworth- Heine-mann, Amsterdam, 2002. ISBN: 0- 7506- 7369- 9. $ 92.00 Scope: This book is the most complete text available detail­ing current optometric concepts of the physiology of nor­mal binocular vision, pathologic binocular states, and vari­ous types of vision therapy used to correct them. It also chronicles the history of optometric vision training in the United States and Europe. The text is subdivided into three sections: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Techniques. Following the text are numer­ous appendices, a lengthy self- assessment examination, and a glossary and index. The Diagnosis section commences with a section on normal binocular vision and proceeds to discuss ways to examine eye movements, ocular alignment, and degree of binocular cooperation. Further chapters cover diagnosis and prognosis of comitant strabismus and strabismus caused by neurologic and orbital disease. The section con­cludes with a brief discussion of nystagmus. The Treatment section nicely reviews the current op­tometric concepts of treatment of amblyopia, abnormal reti­nal correspondence, strabismus, and nystagmus. A final chapter examines problems with " vision efficiency" and in­cludes common causes of asthenopia and vague visual symptoms such as those attributed to aniseikonia, accom­modation abnormalities, vergence abnormalities, and prob­lems with pursuit and saccadic eye movements. The final section is an exhaustive collection of tech­niques for visual training in the office and at home. It in­cludes much information with which the ophthalmologist will be quite familiar ( occlusion, vergence exercises, orthop­tic and synoptophore training), but the bulk of matter dis­cussed will likely be foreign to most medical readers ( Remy separator, chiastopic fusion, useful field of view). The final chapter discusses different practice scenarios in which an optometrist may use vision training and lists vision therapy techniques for all conditions covered in the book. In the appendices is a joint statement from the Ameri­can Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association on vision, learning, and dyslexia, which is pri­marily at odds with the parallel statement on vision training for reading problems from the American Academy of Oph­thalmology and the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Strengths: There is much in this book for which the oph­thalmologist and optometrist will find common ground. The sections on accommodation, stereopsis, strabismus evaluation, vision testing in children, and sensory adapta­tions to strabismus are well- written and concise. Ambly­opia management is well- covered and even includes optical penalization and levodopa treatment. The sections on tech­niques of vision training ( which ophthalmologists may not agree with) read very well and are extremely thorough. The authors are frank with their biases and state that " in most cases of significant heterophoria and intermittent strabis­mus" vision training should be recommended. Weaknesses: The neurology of eye movements is covered sparsely, with little attention to current neuroanatomic and 351 JNeuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 24, No. 4, 2004 Book Reviews physiologic concepts. As would be expected, the comments on strabismus surgery are extremely shallow and incom­plete. None of the results of any of the NEI- sponsored am­blyopia treatment trials is included, a striking deficiency because optometrists participated in these trials. The au­thors frequently refer to use of the Visagraph to record eye movements, even though there are no normative data for this instrument and it has not been appropriately studied. Divisions of accommodative esotropia into refractive and nonrefractive types are not mentioned, nor are results of any of the infantile esotropia observational studies sponsored by NEI. The concepts on Duane retraction syndrome are outdated and there is no mention of the possibility of het­erotopic muscle pulley systems as a cause of strabismus. Current understanding of dyslexia resulting from phonemic translation problems rather than vision abnormalities is sin­gularly absent. Finally, some of the therapies recommended will be regarded as heresy by many ophthalmologists, including saccadic efficiency training to improve reading, physical therapy of the extraocular muscles for cranial nerve palsies, hypnotherapy for intractable diplopia, and vision training exercises for congenital nystagmus. The authors conclude that the AAO/ AAPOS policy statement on vision and read­ing reflects a " lack of understanding" on the part of these organizations of the pathophysiology and treatment of these conditions. What the authors have not pointed out, how­ever, is that the literature contains absolutely no well-designed, sufficiently powered, randomized, controlled clinical trials to support the efficacy of vision training for any of the conditions for which it is recommended. Recommended audience: The text is dedicated to " stu­dents and practitioners of binocular vision." Certainly it is of importance to those in the optometric community who use vision training in their practices. Ophthalmologists and neurologists may find certain sections a good source of information. Critical appraisal: This is a very readable book by highly experienced practitioners of vision therapy. Ophthalmolo­gists and neurologists interested in strabismus, eye move­ment disorders, and binocular function should at least pe­ruse this book. Although readers will likely find many areas of disagreement and lack of scientific evidence for thera­pies promoted in the text, it will at least facilitate critical arguments and perhaps promoted an open and frank dia­logue with the optometric community on designing quality scientific studies. R. Michael Siatkowski, MD Dean A. McGee Eye Institute University of Oklahoma Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 352 © 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins