The incidence of myopia is rapidly increasing worldwide, and the condition may well become the most prevalent abnormality found in humans. Although the mechanism of myopia has not been fully clarified, there has been an impressive increase in our understanding in the last few years. Important questions about myopia are being posed by researchers across a broad spectrum of disciplines from psychology to molecular biology, from corneal surgery to retinal physiology, and from genetics to experimental optics. The Sixth International Conference on Myopia, held in Hakone, Japan, in September 1996, provided a forum for researchers and practitioners to gather for presentations and discussions of their latest findings. Many doctors from Asian countries, where the incidence of myopia is particularly high, reported the results of recent epidemiological studies. In bringing together information on pathology, epidemiology, experimentation, and treatment, this volume covers all aspects of myopia research and is an essential source for optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well as pathologists, biologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, and physiologists interested in ocular growth or myopia.

Important questions about myopia are being posed by researchers across a broad spectrum of disciplines from psychology to molecular biology, from corneal surgery to retinal physiology, and from genetics to experimental optics. In bringing together information on pathology, epidemiology, experimentation, and treatment, this volume covers all aspects of myopia research and is an essential source for optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well as those interested in ocular growth or myopia.

Pathologic myopia that is due to axial elongation causes thinning of the retina and choroid, especially in cases of posterior staphyloma. The result of this myopia is the development of various kinds of chorioretinal atrophy in the posterior pole, with a gradual progression of the atrophic changes extending over several decades. Until now, studies of atrophic lesions and their clinical course have been incomplete, and diagnostic standards and classification of chorioretinopathy have been unclear. The Atlas of Posterior Fundus Changes in Pathologic Myopia discusses these and other important questions on the basis of long-term observation and research. A major feature of the book is the presentation of many case studies, with generous use of full-color photographs to show in detail the course of fundus changes. The atlas is valuable resource not only for ophthalmologists interested in myopia but for optometrists, opticians, and medical students.