Reading this book strongly reinforces in one's mind the overlap between skin and eye diseases. The common ectodermal origin of both organs explains the broad overlap of pathology shared by the two disciplines. The contents are extensive and effectively cover this broad overlap. Most chapters are co-authored by dermatologists and ophthalmologists.
I found the comprehensive ophthalmologic discussions very interesting. For example, the ophthalmologist's diagnostic perspective on blepharitis, with detailed anatomic descriptions of signs, would not be available in standard dermatology texts, nor would the ophthalmologist's perspective on therapy. (They do recommend baby shampoo to cleanse the eyelids!)
Included as an appendix is a three page "glossary of dermatologic terminology for the ophthalmologist," followed by a six and one-half page "glossary of ophthalmologic terminology for the dermatologist." The intricate anatomy of the eye probably accounts for the relatively large number of ophthalmologic terms. Lacking in the appendices is a simple diagram of eye structures with major anatomic features labeled. Oddly, such a diagram is presented only in chapter 72, "Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis."
The index could be somewhat more comprehensive. For example, vitiligo does not appear as an entry, even though it is mentioned in the discussion of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (page 304) and appears as a caption of a figure on that page. The only reference in the index to alopecia is in association with incontinentia pigmenti, even though alopecia areata is discussed as part of the Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome.
This book has been meticulously copy-edited. The correct grammar and consistent style used throughout this textbook make for easy reading. Each chapter begins with a table outlining key clinical points, a handy preview and summary of the chapter contents.
The editors are to be commended for a successful cross-disciplinary effort.
Eye and Skin Disease: Mannis, Macsai and Huntley 736 pp. / 368 Illus., 323 in Full Color / 46 Tables / 8 1/2" x 11" November 1995 ISBN: 0-7817-0269-0 (Hardbound) $225.00