First published 1982
Dr. Alan Friedman stands in his ophthalmology clinic, examining patients whose vision hangs in the balance. Each case of uveitis presents a different puzzle. The inflammation strikes without warning, threatening sight and demanding swift action. Friedman must distinguish between infectious and autoimmune causes while racing against time. He navigates complex diagnostic procedures and weighs treatment options that carry their own risks. Some patients respond to steroids, others require immunosuppressive drugs, and a few face experimental therapies. The disease affects young and old alike, from children with juvenile arthritis to adults with mysterious systemic conditions. Friedman documents his clinical reasoning as he balances aggressive intervention against potential complications. Each decision shapes whether his patients will see clearly again or lose their sight forever. This medical journey reveals how one specialist transforms uncertainty into action when confronting a condition that can rob people of one of their most precious senses.
Genres: medical, non-fiction, health, academic
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: medical-drama, problem-solving
116 pages · Hardcover · Williams & Wilkins