This book on Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disorders of international authorship draws together current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical expression, pathophysiology, and available therapy for ocular surface disease, particularly dry eye disease. In a consolidation of research and clinical perspective, the reader is presented with a logical and forthright discussion of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and is shown how these features can be modified by appropriate therapy. Expertise from basic scientists, epidemiologists, ophthalmologists, and plastic surgeons cover the gamut of options through which to understand and intervene in dry eye and ocular surface disease.

Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disorders will be useful not only for comprehensive and specialist ophthalmologists but also for general practitioners and health professionals who seek to keep touch with the latest thinking in respect to diagnosis and management of dry eye and ocular surface disorders. The reader will find within a wealth of knowledge from the laboratories and clinics of some of the leaders in the field and will be able to utilize this reference to great advantage in 12the understanding and care of those afflicted by dry eye and ocular surface disease. Dr Suresh K Pandey and all international contributors are to be congratulated for bringing this collaborative work to fruition.

Dry eyes are seen not only by ophthalmologists but also by general practitioners; a well-informed approach to treatment will go a long way in relieving the suffering of troubled patients. Newer approaches to management are now being tried apart from the routine tear supplements; these include steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications and partial immunomodulators like cyclosporine. Simultaneously, there have been several advances in surgical management of ocular surface disorders and limbal stem cell transplantation and amniotic membrane transplantation are now routinely performed in various centers. It is now possible to improve the ocular surface in many complex cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, with the help of such surgical modalities.

This multi-authored text on Dry Eye and Ocular Surface Disorders is divided in 8 sections, with a total of 24 comprehensive chapters and an appendix. A galaxy of internationally respected contributors have provided an authoritative text on the epidemiology and economics of dry eye, the pathophysiology, the current diagnostic and treatment practices, surgical aspects of ocular surface disorders, the present status of surgeries like amniotic membrane transplantation. Few other important issues such as dry eyes in contact lens wearers and dry eye seen during pregnancy and menopause are also discussed. The exhaustive list of chapters and authors may mean there could be some overlap of information between different chapters. However, I feel that this will be useful as each author has given his/her own unique perspective to the topic and the reader can draw his own conclusions based on this diverse opinion base, supported by facts. The contributors have strived to bring together not just the current clinical concepts but also to compile the latest available research information on the topic. In this era of focus on cost-effectiveness of medical treatment, ignoring the financial aspects 14would be to our own peril; and therefore, the section on the economics of dry eyes has been included to bring a unique perspective to the problem.

I am greatly indebted to all the contributors, who are all internationally acclaimed experts in their field, and who have generously contributed in a very short span of time. Despite the wealth of information contained in the book and the diversity of the contents varying from the pathophysiological and anatomical aspects to the future possibilities, we have tried to keep the book easy-to-read, in a simple and appealing format. A comprehensive up-to-date reference list has been added at the end of each chapter and hopefully this will be useful for those wishing to explore further.

I am extremely grateful for the support extended by Dr E John Milverton, Chairman, Intraocular Implant Unit of Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Ms Janet Stretton (Executive Director, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital) and Dr. Pauline Rumma (Clinical Director, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital) also deserve thanks for their support. I readily acknowledge the interest, and cooperation of Shri Jitendra P Vij, Chairman and Managing Director, M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd., and appreciate his invitation to edit this book. I thank all the publishing staff, particularly, Mr Tarun Duneja, General Manager (Publishing), and Ms Sunita Katla (PA to CEO) in assisting our participation in this effort. Finally, I acknowledge the support of my spouse, Vidushi and family, whose encouragement has allowed me to meet deadlines and to complete this work.

This work has truly been a team effort. While we have taken every possible care to keep the information accurate and useful, I will appreciate any suggestions and constructive criticism from the readers, which will be invaluable in the improvement of the book and to provide more relevant and useful information to the readers.