Becker-Shaffer`s Diagnosis and Therapy of the Glaucomas is the bible of glaucomatology, and has been for many years. It is now in its 8th edition. The book has been edited by top opinion leaders in this field, with highly reputable contributors (Michael S Berlin, Larissa Camejo, Murray A Johnstone, Robert J Noecker and Robert N Weinreb). The latest edition of this prominent textbook thoroughly confirms all the progress since the previous edition.

The contents of the book are subdivided into nine parts and 39 chapters, displayed in a well-organized structure. Each chapter concludes with an adequate series of references, which results in accessable reading on a specific issue. The illustrations are mostly in colour, and the tables and graphics rounding up the text passages are perfect, not overloading the book but upgrading the printed text to a better understanding. The layout and structure of this textbook indicates an ongoing, progressive improvement through many years up until this 8th edition. The book concludes with an appendix of Consensus Statements (2004–2007) of The World Glaucoma Association composed by Robert N Weinreb.

Part 1 (Chapter 1) presents an introduction and classification of the glaucomas; this is very helpful for the understanding of the chapters that follows. Part 2 consists of three chapters which are devoted to aqueous humour dynamics, including formation, outflow systems and intraocular pressure,and the importance of considering pathophysiology of the disease.

Part 3 (ten chapters) presents an excellent overview of the clinical examination of the eye related to glaucoma. Here one can find all the relevant essencies of gonoscopy, visual field testing, additional psychophysical tests and optic nerve head evaluation, with special focus on imaging of the optic nerve with all the modern techniques of morphometry.

Part 4 (six chapters) highlights the clinical entities of glaucoma discussing primary angle-closure glaucoma, secondary angle closure, and primary and secondary open-angle glaucoma, as well as developmental and childhood glaucomas. The final chapter in this part summarizes the genetics of glaucoma.

Part 5 (two chapters) introduces the management of glaucomas and the general principles of medical treatment.

Part 6 (six chapters) presents a summary of the uses and side-effects of antiglaucomatous drugs (prostaglandins, adrenergics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, cholinergics, and hyperosmotic agents). Clinical pharmacology of medical treatment of glaucoma is perfectly outlined here.

Part 7 (four chapters) deals with laser therapy of the glaucomas, including general aspects of laser therapy, laser treatment of block glaucomas, open-angle glaucomas, and laser treatment of the ciliary body to reduce aqueous formation.

Part 8 (six chapters) deals with surgical principles and procedures, covering general aspects of surgical care, operations aimed at the outflow of aqueous, operations for co-existing glaucoma and cataract, and complications and failure of filtering surgery and the challenges of surgery in pediatric glaucomas. The chapter on New ideas in glaucoma surgery gives an outlook on the variety of innovative procedures not yet fully integrated in clinical routine.

The final chapter 39 (part 9), Challenges for the new century, presents an interesting insight into the ways to go to seek further improvement in the management of the glaucomas, a disease which represents one of the major causes of blindness throughout the world.

There is no doubt, this is a fine text book that deserves its reputation matured over many years, as did The Glaucoma Book. It should be on the shelf of every ophthalmologist who deals with glaucoma patients to assist in providing the best possible care. It truly is a worthy investment.