The first significant advance I was able to experience was the change in cataract surgery, from the intracapsular to the extracapsular technique and on to the implant of the first intraocular lenses. This transition yielded some highly positive results and for years we lived through the perfecting of extracapsular surgery and improvements in intraocular lenses. This was followed by the rebirth and perfecting of phacoemulsification, a technique that had been dormant for years, which accompanied the evolution of the new intraocular lenses that can be implanted through a small incision. We are presently at the threshold of being able to extract the cataract and perform the implant through an incision as small as 1 millimeter.

Improvements in anesthesia techniques have paralleled technological advances, passing from general and retrobulbar to peribulbar, subtenonian and today's topical anesthesia, allowing the patient's immediate recovery of vision.

The work undertaken by Prof José Ignacio Barraquer in modifying or “sculpturing” the shape of the cornea, the so-called technique of keratomileusis, is probably the most revolutionary development in recent years. The marriage between keratomileusis and excimer laser technology in the form of LASIK, has provided us with the tool to rapidly and safely correct refractive errors such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia. A multitude of ophthalmologists worldwide have contributed to perfecting this technique and today we correct the optical defects of our patients by a procedure that was simply unimaginable in the not so distant past. The range of correction in refractive surgery has been completed with the appearance of anterior and posterior chamber phakic lenses, increasing the ophthalmologic tools available to deal with these defects.

Simultaneous to these advances in cataract and refractive surgery, new techniques have emerged for the treatment of glaucoma. Posterior pole surgery has also evolved, with the perfecting of the vitrectomy and diode laser therapy for macular degeneration. An array of technological changes has also helped us diagnose and treat eye pathologies.

These advances have surpassed the barriers of our imagination and now our efforts are not only directed towards the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, but also aim to prevent, correct and improve vision with techniques that are ever less invasive and achieve the ever increasingly rapid rehabilitation of our patients. Studies, investigations and the exchange of scientific knowledge will allow us to continue this advance. This book by Dr Ashok Garg and colleagues describes the therapeutic strategies in the different fields of ophthalmology and we hope it will be a stimulus for the ophthalmology of the XXI century to continue developing for the benefit of us all.

In today's high tech scenario the main focus of every ophthalmologist is to keep abreast of latest acquired skills, equipments and ocular pharmacokinetics. One of the best way to get latest knowledge is through books and Journals. This book on recent advances has been written through a team effort after thorough research of the matter with the sole aim of providing latest knowledge to ophthalmologists. This book has been designed to incorporate all recent advances in the fields of Cataract, Refractive Surgery, Glaucoma, Retina and Ocular Therapeutics. Every effort has been made to include all the latest advancements of practical interest in this book. A special chapter on Quick Look Ocular Therapeutics has been added to provide complete product information and specific formulation availability – a necessity in day-to-day ophthalmic practice. We are thankful to contributors who are masters in their specific field at an International level, family members and friends who have extended every cooperation to prepare this useful book.

Our special thanks to Mr Jitendar Vij (Chairman and Managing Director) Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd., a leading International name in medical publication field who extended full cooperation to prepare this high quality book and published it in a short time.

Each author in this book has worked hard and shared his/her experiences to make this book a valuable companion to our dear readers. We shall work tirelessly for future editions of this book with your valuable comments, suggestions and blessings.