In the past two decades, we have seen the mapping and cloning of more than 100 genes causing monogenic eye disorders. Less successful has been the search for genes involved in much more common disorders with a complex aetiology, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or myopia. Nevertheless, also in this field a large amount of data has accumulated. The field is rapidly evolving, and even for the specialist it is difficult to keep up to date.

In this situation, the book “Genetics in Ophthalmology” sets out to give an overview of our current knowledge of various ocular diseases with a genetic factor. It consists of 14 reviews by different authors. After introductory chapters on genetics and epidemiology, the genetics of various eye disease is discussed: myopia, corneal dystrophies, cataract, glaucoma, optic nerve atrophies, retinitis pigmentosa, Bardet–Biedl syndrome and Usher syndrome, macular dystrophies, and colour vision defects gene are reviewed in separate chapters. The book closes with articles on gene therapy and low vision aid.

In summary, the book is a useful guide through the wide field of genetics in many ophthalmological diseases.