Wednesday, February 25, 2009

5 minute guide to loupes

By Andrew Cambridge

Similar to a microscope, loupe (pronounced loop), is a device used to see things one is looking at more closely. A way to think of them is like a modified microscope. The benefit to the user is that allows the user to use microscopy in their trade. This article is about Dental Loupes buy many industries use loupes , such as Jewelers, Watchmaking, Photography, Printing and Surgery.

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.

Bespoke made loupes offer a user, who has an existing optical prescription, 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. If your eyesight alters in the future, custom made loupes with corrective lenses mean that alterations can be made to accommodate this. To ensure an always clear field of vision and correct working posture custom made loupes are best.

The use of quality dental loupes will significantly improve the clinicians abilities to perform exacting dental procedures and operations in the dental surgery. The right amount of light from a high intensity headlight complements the use of loupes and in some cases can be colour corrective. Using 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.

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

Some key features to consider though are: Magnifying Power Working Angle What is the Resolution? Why Field Width? Weight

When purchasing it does take time to get the correct loupes, your supplier should take the time make sure they are right for you. Hopefully the above article has made what makes up a dental loupe.

Andrew Histon compiles articles for denistry , and other health industries. He has many articles published on the internet. What interests Andrew about Loupes is that they are used by only a few people but effect so many.

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