Book excerpt: Glaucoma is a term used to describe many different eye diseases which gradually weaken and reduce vision, often without outward symptoms. Most forms of glaucoma are caused by a problem with drainage within the eye, and there are a number of different recognised types. Despite all our available medical advances, unfortunately as yet loss of vision from glaucoma is irreversible. In this book the editors have compiled 17 chapters on the most up to date glaucoma surgery worldwide, including laser treatment, implants and non-penetrative surgery. As the editors themselves say - "even though we still do not fully understand the mechanisms and genetic background to the conditions known as glaucoma, we are able to offer palliative and sometime curable therapies". Thus the book provides essential information to ophthalmic surgeons and practitioners who need to update and maintain their knowledge and skills when combating the multitude of glaucoma problems.