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Guide to BuyingDental Loupes

oRAsCopTiC3225 Deming Way, suite 190Middleton, Wi 53562800.369.3698orascoptic.com

What to Consider When Purchasing a LoupeThe quality of a loupe system is governed by four key visual characteristics:

1. Resolution (perceived clarity of an image)Resolution is the capability to visualize small structures, and is established by the quality of the optical design and the use of precision lenses. Loupes made with inferior materials cannot deliver peak visualization across the entire viewing field.

Consider the widespread consumer appeal for high definition televisions as a testimony to the value of resolution. Which would you rather own, a 52 projection television, or a 42 high definition television? Despite the larger screen, the viewing experience on the projection TV would pale in comparison to the crystal clear, detailed imaging of the HDTV.

High Resolution Low Resolution

2. Field Width (maximum area that can be seen)Field width is the size of the operating site when viewed through loupes. Health care professionals appreciate a wider field of view because it is easier and quicker to adjust when shifting from the naked eye to the loupe. A wider field also promotes less eye fatigue. Field width is linked to the diameter of the telescope, the optical design and the magnifying power the higher the power, the smaller the field.

Wide Field Narrow Field

Guide to Buying Dental Loupes

3. Field Depth (range of maintained focus)Field Depth is the range of focus delivered by the loupe. This determines how much you can lean in, or lean back, while wearing your loupe, and still maintain focus of the entire viewing field. Field depth is dependent on the available lighting, the optical design, the magnifying power, and the eyes ability to focus (accommodation).

4. Magnification Power (ability of a loupe system to increase an image size)Magnification Power is the size of the image (not the clarity of the image). There is no standard measurement for magnifying power in the loupe market. Even though specific labels have been used, most manufacturers actually round up to the nearest 0.5.There is no accepted standard for how magnifying power is defined for surgical loupes. Different definitions give results that differ by as much as 15-percent. Because of this, the quoted magnifying power is really only a rough guide to the actual magnification of a loupe. John Rogers, PhD, University of Arizona*

Long Depth of Field Short Depth of Field

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Guide to Buying Dental Loupes

Other characteristics to consider in a loupe system include its weight, the comfort and style of the frame, and its working angle. Working Angle, or angle of declination, allows the user to work in a comfortable, ergonomically correct position, thus helping prevent neck and back pain. Most flip-up hinge products and through-the-lens systems can be custom set to the angle that works best for you.

In Summary, What Really Counts when Choosing a Loupe?

Professionals demand superior visualization. The visualization of a loupe system is truthfully governed by these four key visual characteristics (in order of importance):

1. Resolution 2. Field Width 3. Field Depth 4. Magnification

CONFIRM THIS BY SAMPLING AND COMPARING.Unfortunately, some loupe manufacturers are fixated on an old convention that erroneously identifies magnifying power as the most important feature. Do not be misled by this.

The resolution and field size of the operating site are much more relevant quality criteria than the size of the image. Regardless of the stated magnifying power, a loupe that resolves smaller features (and more of them) is superior to a loupe that provides a large but blurry image. Similarly, this is also preferable to a loupe that provides a sharp image, but only over a narrow region of space. John Rogers, PhD, University of Arizona*

After your evaluation, choose the loupe system that provides outstanding resolution across the widest field, while simultaneously delivering a longer depth of field, because it will truly have superior visualization.*John Rodgers, PHD, a professor at the University of Arizona, is also the Director of Photonic and Imaging Engineering Services for Optical Research Associates. Optical Research Associates, a leader in the optics industry, is the largest independent optical engineering services organization with experience in the development of high-performance optical systems for ground, aerial and space-borne applications.

Guide to Buying Dental Loupes

oRAsCopTiC3225 Deming Way, suite 190Middleton, Wi 53562800.369.3698orascoptic.com