REVIEW
The Consumer Connection
a publication of the American Medical Library Association
Macular Degeneration: From Diagnosis to Treatment
Boyer, David S., M.D. and Tabandeh, Homayoun, M.D.
Addicus Books, 2012 ∙ 134p ∙ Index ∙ ISBN 978-1-936374-32-8 ∙ $19.95.
In the not-too-distant past, a diagnosis of macular degeneration meant nearly certain loss of central vision with no hope of improvement. In the past decade, however, treatments have improved greatly, providing patients with better options and improved outcomes. Patients with recent diagnoses of the disease will have many questions about treatment options and what to expect as the condition progresses. To answer this need, retina specialists David S. Boyer, M.D. and Homayoun, M.D. have taken on the task of explaining a complicated topic in an easy-to-understand manner.
The first four sections of the book include an overview, symptoms, diagnosis, and current treatment options. Well-labeled diagrams and images help to demystify the complex subject matter. Of particular value to patients will be the final sections on reducing the risk of disease progression and living with the disease. Both of these sections offer practical tips and strategies that will help patients modify behaviors, adjust to daily activities with vision impairment, and take steps to continue living a full life. Materials in the Appendix include an Amsler Grid—a tool for checking changes in one’s vision; a list of relevant organizations; an index; and a useful glossary of terms.
With macular degeneration accounting for the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50, this book will be a valuable addition to any library’s consumer health collection and will provide an excellent reference for patients, families, and anyone wanting to learn more about the disease.
Kelli Ham, NN/LM Pacific Southwest Region,
UCLA Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library
Los Angeles, California.
