The Eye, 3rd Edition, Volume lb: Vegetative Physiology and Biochemistry deals with the vegetative physiology and biochemistry of the eye. The book reviews major advances in the anatomy of the eye and its physiological and biochemical aspects, particularly the cornea and sclera, the ordered state of the lens, and lens development, growth and regeneration. This edition is organized into three chapters and begins with an overview of the mechanical and optical properties of the cornea and sclera and their relationship to the underlying structure of the tissue. This book shows that, in the cornea, the maintenance of the tissue structure requires the constant action of a fluid transport system dependent upon metabolic energy. The pathways of corneal nutrition, the sensitive corneal innervation, and the growth processes in the cornea and sclera are also discussed, emphasizing the mammalian cornea. The next chapter examines the use of physical and chemical techniques to determine how the ordered state of the lens is maintained and why that state is susceptible to chaotropic attack. Finally, an account of the metabolism of the lens and how cataract forms is given. This book is a valuable resource for students and researchers in fields ranging from ocular science to physiology and biochemistry.
