In recent years, we have seen an explosion in our understanding of age-related
macular degeneration. Diagnostic techniques have become more refined and more
available. Treatment options have widened with the introduction of microsurgical
techniques and photodynamic lasers. More importantly, the molecular basis
of the disease is being studied, allowing physicians to contemplate the possibilities
of preventing the disease in the first place. But even with these varied avenues
of progress, the role of the subjective impressions of the patient remains
important. Most ophthalmologists treating patients with age-related macular
degeneration stress the role of patient self-monitoring; usually with the
Amsler grid. Lee Allen has taken this concept much further with this book,
which is essentially a collection of black-and-white and color drawings of
his own macular dysfunction. Beginning with the onset of drusen and proceeding
through the development of choroidal neovascularization and laser treatments,
Allen meticulously and beautifully documents his view of his condition. Various
methods of inducing entopic images allowed Allen to track his condition and
produce these unusual and striking images.