Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome

May 1, 2007
Dry eye syndrome (DES)more currently known as dysfunctional tear syndromeis a complicated disorder often associated with systemic diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, and diabetes and frequently misunderstood by the more than nine million American sufferers. A practicing ophthalmologist, Maskin (director, Cornea and Eye Surface Ctr.) estimates that an equal number of people are not even aware that they have a milder form of the disorder and that the incidence of this disorder has been increasing steadily. He devotes close to half the book to an overview of eye anatomy and causes of DES (e.g., computer use, contact lens wear, aging, LASIK surgery, and systemic diseases). In the remaining chapters, he focuses on getting a correct diagnosis and seeking and finding treatment that includes dietary considerations, over-the-counter products, and modifications of the home and work environments. The book wraps up with a FAQ section, a glossary, and resources for further reading for each chapter. There are not many resources geared to consumers on this topic, so Maskin's practical and informative book is timely and highly recommended for public and consumer health libraries.Beth Hill, Kootenai Medical Ctr., Coeur d'Alene, ID

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.