Section 8 of the Academy's Basic and Clinical Science Course™ (BCSC^®) discusses the structure and function of the cornea and external eye and reviews relevant examination techniques.

BCSC Section 8 includes recent statistics on indications for corneal transplants from the Eye Bank Association of America. In addition, this section discusses infectious and ocular surface diseases and disorders, surgery of the ocular surface, immune-mediated and neoplastic disorders, and congenital anomalies and degenerations. A chapter on the diagnosis and management of corneal dystrophies reflects the IC3D classification of the dystrophies according to a template consisting of clinical, pathologic, and genetic information. Toxic and traumatic injuries and corneal transplantation are also reviewed.

This section also covers diagnostic imaging technologies, updates on endothelial replacement surgery, and best practices for early recognition and treatment of sebaceous cell carcinoma.

Interactive elements throughout the text, such as an activity on corneal layers and corresponding confocal images, an animation demonstrating the development of the cornea, and a corneal ectasia case study, will help strengthen your clinical knowledge. This volume has forty-six videos (sample), many demonstrating surgical techniques to aid your understanding. Both print and eBook users have access to the videos and activities.

Upon completion of Section 8, readers should be able to:

• Explain the overall strategy, examination, and technology used for systematic evaluation of the cornea and the external eye
• Describe the basic principles and the clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic keratitis
• List the risk factors, clinical signs, and breadth of management options of corneal ectasia

Section chair: Robert S. Feder, MD
Last Major Revision: 2021-2022

Print: 584 pages

eBook: Read Academy eBooks online from nearly any computer, or download eBooks to your mobile device with the free Academy eBooks app. For eBook features, requirements, and licensing, visit aao.org/ebooks. Please allow up to 90 minutes for receiving an access key (via email) that will allow you to retrieve your eBook after purchase.

Print ISBN: 978-1-68104-790-4
eBook ISBN: 978-1-68104-816-4
Print & eBook ISBN: 978-1-68104-803-4

About the BCSC
The Academy’s Basic and Clinical Science Course™ is ophthalmology’s definitive source of clinical information. Practicing ophthalmologists and residents worldwide use the BCSC^® to ensure the highest-quality patient care.

Each of the 13 volumes includes up-to-date clinical knowledge, concise text, tables, photos and illustrations, multimedia, self-assessment questions with answers, and opportunities for earning AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Beginning with the 2013–2014 edition, the Academy and the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) have partnered to make the BCSC the standard text for all European ophthalmology training programs. The EBO now recommends the BCSC as the primary educational resource for European trainees and ophthalmologists studying for the annual EBO Diploma Exam.

CME Information
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.