One important consideration in binocular loupe selection for the health care practitioner is working distance (W.D.) In addition to properly magnifying the subject, loupe wearers can work long days while minimizing neck strain and possible later visits to the chiropractor. Whether sitting or standing, upright posture with minimal bending at the waist, hunching of the shoulders, or flexing of the neck is preferred.
Fortunately, the higher quality loupe manufacturers such as HEINE offer loupes with varying W.D. Once the proper magnification is selected, for example 2.5x, the user should consider the appropriate W.D. The HEINE 2.5x HR loupe is available in three W.D.'s: 13" (340mm); 16" (420mm), and 20" (520mm). Each of these optics has a range of focus, so the center of the focal range is the W.D. This means that the image will also be in focus +/- about 3.5" from the W.D. (this varies slightly per lens magnification). Therefore, a lens with a W.D. of 16" will be in focus from the eye for a distance of approximately 13" through 19". This is a very pleasant range, and the 16" model is far and away the most popular W.D. for both surgical and dental specialists alike.
Situations can vary, so it is recommended that you work with a partner to help determine your personal W.D. Assume your typical position and posture when performing actual procedures. Whether sitting or standing, assume a position that you are comfortable with for longer cases. Also consider factors such as your standing height (are you taller or shorter), the length of your arms, and the length of torso while sitting. Simulate your typical working position, but err on the side of maintaining proper posture. Remember that loupes can prevent unnecessary stooping and hunching, and this may prolong your work day, and possibly your career! Have your assistant utilize a longer ruler, or tape to measure, from eye to subject, where your typical W.D. falls. Also remember that quality Loupes, such as the HEINE 2.5x 13", 16" or 20" W.D. have variability of +/- a few inches, so you will definitely have a good range of focus.
After you acquire your selected loupes, it is recommended to wear them for a few cases before judging if they are right for you. HEINE offers a 45 Day Money Back Guarantee, so occasionally a wearer will want to switch from one working distance to another prior to settling on his/her desired specification. This is not a problem, and we will be happy to accommodate your specific needs.
For more information see our website, or feel free to contact us directly. Our coordinates follow.
Sincerely,
MDLoupesPro
web: www.gallaghermedical.com
e-mail: sales@gall-med.com
phone: 800.481.0972
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Surgical Loupes and Dental Loupes Magnification
Bigger is not always better! In the case of optical loupes, bigger refers to the magnification, expressed as a number followed by "x", example: 4.0x. Loupe magnifications commonly range between 2.0x through 6.0x. For first time loupe buyers, and for veteran loupe wearers, we often recommend 2.5x magnification loupes. There are a few optical principles to consider:
1. The greater the magnification, the smaller the field-of-view, or diameter of the circle that you see.
2. The greater the magnification, the greater the need to hold your head still.
If you are a dental professional, and you wish to view most of the patient's teeth, a magnification of 2.5x is perfect. For a special procedure, such as a root canal, or work on the margin of a crown, you may wish to focus on a very small area. In this case a higher magnification such as 4.0x may be required. Caution is advised: For inexperienced loupe wearers, higher magnifications can be very disorienting. At the highest magnifications, such as 6x, it becomes nearly impossible to hold your head still enough to view the subject without blurring. Even the minor tremor caused by your own heartbeat can make be distracting as you focus on the subject.
A good rule of thumb is to select the lowest magnification needed to do your work. For most surgeons and dental professionals the optimal magnification is 2.5x. Over time, you may feel the need to change to a higher magnification. For this reason, the flip-up loupe design offers the advantage of removing one loupe in favor of another by removing a single screw.
To view our line of high quality loupes and lighting accessories, see us on the web at:
www.gallaghermedical.com
Sincerely,
MDLoupesPro
1. The greater the magnification, the smaller the field-of-view, or diameter of the circle that you see.
2. The greater the magnification, the greater the need to hold your head still.
If you are a dental professional, and you wish to view most of the patient's teeth, a magnification of 2.5x is perfect. For a special procedure, such as a root canal, or work on the margin of a crown, you may wish to focus on a very small area. In this case a higher magnification such as 4.0x may be required. Caution is advised: For inexperienced loupe wearers, higher magnifications can be very disorienting. At the highest magnifications, such as 6x, it becomes nearly impossible to hold your head still enough to view the subject without blurring. Even the minor tremor caused by your own heartbeat can make be distracting as you focus on the subject.
A good rule of thumb is to select the lowest magnification needed to do your work. For most surgeons and dental professionals the optimal magnification is 2.5x. Over time, you may feel the need to change to a higher magnification. For this reason, the flip-up loupe design offers the advantage of removing one loupe in favor of another by removing a single screw.
To view our line of high quality loupes and lighting accessories, see us on the web at:
www.gallaghermedical.com
Sincerely,
MDLoupesPro
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