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OPTOMETRY AND VISION SCIENCE
Copyright * 2013 American Academy of Optometry

BOOK REVIEW

Evolution’s Witness: How Eyes single-cell prokaryotes lacking nuclei (e.g., Femtosecond Cataract Surgery:
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Evolved, Ivan R. Schwab. cyanobacteria) to eukaryotes (e.g., Euglena A Primer, Lois E. Probst and
with an eyespot to capture light and Clara C. Chan.
propeller-like flagellum to move toward
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or away from light), and finally mul-

ticelled metazoa. Fundamental evolution-
ary developments during this time,
conserved and passed on through lineages,
included rhodopsin-like molecules with
light-catching retinal chromophore and
opsin to confer spectral sensitivity, coupled
with a primitive form of the PAX6 master
gene essential for eye formation. Beyond
these invariances, it is proposed that the
eye evolved numerous times, yielding di-
verse morphology and specializations critical
to flourish in myriad settings with distinct
survival needs. Each subsequent chapter
is a unique episode in time detailing eyes
characteristic of that era and ultimately
spanning millions of years, species, and
morphologies ranging from eyespots to
Oxford: Oxford University Press; compound and camera eyes. Amazing
2012. $75.00.
color photos on nearly every page ensure
a vivid trek through evolution of the eye.
The prologue of Ivan Schwab’s timely An all-inclusive glossary and chapter- Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Inc.; 2012. $84.95
testimony to evolution marks life’s begin- specific references accommodate diverse
ning on earth at 3750 million years ago, readers of this captivating text. Appendi-
followed closely in time by photorecep- ces detailing evolution of ocular muscles, The purpose of this book, as stated by
tion; logical because virtually all life retinal blood supply, cornea, lens, accom- the author, is to educate ophthalmologists
depends directly or indirectly on sunlight. modation, and photoreceptors prove in on the subject of femtosecond laser cataract
Indeed, the premise of Evolution’s Witness valuable for specialists and generalists surgery, one of the latest advancements in
is that photoreception endured the test of alike. Evolution’s Witness, in whole or cataract surgery. The book hopes to inform
time, thriving in multiple life forms many part, is an essential mainstay for multiple the surgeon of the current options available,
still in existence today. With beautiful disciplines, irreplaceable for vision scien- the advantages of the new procedure, and
illustrations and engaging prose, Professor tists and eye care professionals. practical advice for the novice surgeon
Schwab tracks the course of photorecep- hoping to integrate this technology into his
tion through time, allowing readers to Jeff C. Rabin or her surgical armamentarium.
marvel at Darwin’s Theory and fully San Antonio, TX The book is divided into two main parts.
comprehend the evolution of the eye. The first part, chapters 2 to 5, discusses the
The inside cover of Evolution’s Witness various platforms currently available for
is a color-coded list of geologic time femtosecond cataract surgery and the features
spanning more than 4 billion years from of each system: LensAR, LenSx, Catalys, and
the Hadean Eon to Cenozoic Era and VICTUS. Each chapter describes the unique
present day. Major events are listed for features of each system, any related studies,
each time frame, and page margins for and surgical results. Each section also includes
each chapter are color-coded to corre- practical advice on how to integrate the
spond to colors in the geologic timeline. system into the surgical flow, including its
The first three chapters set the stage for placement in the operating suite and other
ocular evolution with the birth of life, practical considerations. Lastly, each of these
onset of photoreception, transition from chapters concludes with a summary table,

Optometry and Vision Science, Vol. 90, No. 5, May 2013

Copyright © American Academy of Optometry. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.