As well as being practicing optometrists, Dr. Marc Grossman and Dr. Glen Swartwout have been trained in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine. Both have also published previous books. Their joint effort, Natural Eye Care, An Encyclopedia: Complementary Treatments For Improving And Saving Your Eyes, draws from the best of traditional and modern medicine for the prevention and treatment of eye disorders. The authors say that their "primary goal is to offer a practical approach to vision care based on an underlying philosophy that emphasizes prevention rather than cure." They begin with a fascinating discussion of how the eye functions, including information like "the entire blood volume of the body passes through the eyes every 40 minutes or so." Although many of us don't realize it, our eyes are the first to suffer when we feel physical or mental stress. They also cite studies showing that allergies in children improve when their vision is enhanced through vision therapy. Dr. Grossman and Dr. Swartwout devote one chapter to a explanation of the various natural treatments and how they are used for treating vision disorders. They emphasize the "vision diet," which focuses on eating lots of fresh foods and eliminating processed or refined foods. They also discuss the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupressure, herbs, physical exercise, eye exercises, spinal adjustments, and homeopathy in preventing and treating eye diseases. Each of the following eye diseases have their own chapter: glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eyes, sties, floaters, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). The authors provide a description of the causes and symptoms of each disease, and a summary of conventional treatment. They then describe a healing program for those who have each vision disorder, based on natural treatments. Each chapter ends with a prevention program for those who still have healthy eyes. An appendix provides acupressure directions. They also include an extensive reference section, and listing for resources for those who can't obtain natural products locally. Dr. Grossman and Dr. Swartwout say that "the good news is that we don't have to be passive victims of eye disease. Eye deterioration can often be stopped--and even reversed." Readers will find Natural Eye Care, An Encyclopedia a comprehensive and invaluable resource for the prevention and treatment of vision disorders.

Sandra I. Smith, Reviewer