Loupes

A loupe (pronounced loop), is a type of magnification device used to see things one is looking at more closely. In this respect, they are simply a form of a modified microscope, allowing the user to be able to better apply the phenomenon of microscopy to his or her trade. Many industries use loupes , such as Jewelers, Watchmaking, Photography, Printing and Surgery. This articles is about Dental Loupes

Dental loupes are now recognised as an essential accessory for the dental professionals every day use in practice. Achieving optimum magnification and the correct lighting environment are vital for consistency and success of clinical procedures. There are various different options available on the market, including TTL, which means that the eyepiece is placed an at optimal distance from the pupil providing a wide field of vision and Flip-Up loupes, which are fully adjustable binocular systems and are supported by an articulated joint connected to the glasses.

Custom made loupes are not just for aesthetic purposes, but can enable clinicians or anyone using magnification for long periods of time, to operate at an ideal working distance without causing eye strain, neck pains or backache. This is because individual measurements of interpupillary, working distance and angle of declination are taken to ensure the correct working angle is achieved to allow the user to work in an ergonomically correct position.

Two designs of telescope are commonly used for surgical magnification, these are Galilean and Keplerian (or prismatic). Galilean designs are simple, relatively unobtrusive and lightweight and are used for the lower magnification (2.3x to 3.5x) loupes. Where a higher magnification (up to 8x) and better clarity image is required Keplerian loupes are the best option, although the oculars are inherently longer and heavier.

Custom made loupes offer a user, who has an existing optical prescription, to incorporate this, rather than buying ‘off the shelf’ loupes which would be unsuitable. Most clinicians who wish to make regular use of dental loupes will probably utilise a magnification of 2.3x to 3.2x and if your eyesight alters in the future, custom made loupes with corrective lenses mean that alterations can be made to accommodate this, ensuring an always clear field of vision and correct working posture.

Good illumination from a high intensity headlight complements the use of loupes and in some cases can be colour corrective. Employing high quality lighting technology will increase your depth of vision, reduce eye fatigue and provide optimum freedom of movement, correcting your working posture. The application of multilayer antireflection coatings on all lens surfaces delivers a clear bright image to the clinician. The use of quality dental loupes will significantly improve the clinicians abilities to perform exacting dental procedures and operations in the dental surgery.

Advances in technology mean loupes are now presented on extremely lightweight, designer frames that incorporate the correct lens size, shape and pantoscopic angles providing perfectly magnified vision that look good too. Modern wraparound frames are very comfortable and provide greater splatter protection for the user. This type of frame is especially popular with dental hygienists.

Some key features to consider though are:

• What is the Resolution?
• Why Field Width?
• Weight
• Magnifying Power
• Working Angle

Hopefully the above article has made what makes up a dental loupe and ytou now have a clearer understanding of what to look for when purchasing.

Andrew Sutton writes articles for denistry , as well as many other health industries. He has many articles published on the internet. What interest him about loupes is that they are used by only a few people but effect so many.