Magnification has come to stay among healthcare professionals, thanks to all the benefits it brings. While it’s true that, in the 1970s, the first magnification systems appeared, it has not been until recent years that there has been an exponential increase in the use of loupes and microscopes.
In the words of Dr. Francesc Abellá, published in Gaceta Dental Nº 353 – January 2023, there are numerous benefits that magnification brings, especially if used since the beginning of a professional’s academic training. The use of magnification, combined with headlights, allows for greater precision as it enables the visualization of all kinds of details. This also translates into less eye fatigue and musculoskeletal pain.
In this context, loupes are nowadays an indispensable tool for dentists, physicians, and surgeons.
Why should Healthcare Professionals Use Magnification?
The use of magnification plays a vital role in the accuracy of diagnoses, treatments, and surgical procedures, as well as improving the visual and postural ergonomics of those who use it.
Loupes are one of the most demanded magnification systems today. They increase the ability to see in detail, improve postural habits, and decrease visual strain.
There are three types of loupes:
- Galileo loupes are the perfect solution to cover the main needs in magnification, for a quick and natural adaptation, especially suitable for continuous use.
- Kepler (or prismatic) loupes have been designed to provide greater precision, especially in processes of maximum discrimination.
- Ergo loupes are the first in the market to be completely ergonomic, thanks to a revolutionary design that allows visualization without tilting the neck, maintaining a straight back.
These three types of loupes offer a series of advantages for healthcare professionals to consider:
- Reduction of neck tension
- Relief of back pain
- Improvement of vision and eye fatigue
- Greater precision in treatments
- Seeing with maximum detail
The use of magnification loupes, therefore, improves the quality of life of the doctor, as well as enhancing the precision of treatments.
Choosing the Right Magnification for Your Needs
After choosing the type of loupe you want to work with, it’s time to choose the magnification. This decision will depend on the preferences of each healthcare professional.
Traditionally, users who started using magnification were advised to use Galileo loupes. Their wide visual field and deep depth of field make them easier to use in a wide range of procedures.
Currently, this trend has changed. Fully ergonomic loupe systems pose a new challenge.
There is no longer a single answer, but multiple factors must be considered before deciding. Compared to conventional loupes, ergonomic loupes use a slightly higher magnification. For example, a pediatric dentist would initially choose Galileo loupes of 2.7X, but 3X magnification if they opt for ergonomic ones.
Each specialty will require different magnification depending on the visual field required for the treatment to be addressed.
In dentistry, it will be determined by the number of teeth that the professional needs to see in each procedure. For general dentistry, the most demanded Ergo magnifications are between 4X-5X, while in endodontics or microsurgery, Ergo 7.5X is the one most professionals choose.
As for medical specialties, there is also a wide variability in the needs of professionals, for example, from 3X magnifications for specialties such as dermatology or oculoplastic surgery, to 10X magnifications for trichology or hand surgery, through intermediate magnifications of 6X for plastic surgery and otorhinolaryngology.
In conclusion, the magnification needs vary depending on the medical or dental specialty and the preferences of the professional. Even different professionals working in the same field will feel differences in terms of the breadth of field and the depth of detail they want to see.
Other Variables to Consider When Choosing Your Loupes
The magnification of the loupe is important, but there are also key factors to consider when choosing your loupes.
- When it comes to loupes, less is more. Therefore, it is essential that the weight of the magnification system and the frame be minimal.
- Customization is another determining factor. The more customized a loupe is, the better for the professional who will use it.
- After-sales service and tech support are as important as any of the points mentioned.
In Víttrea, we have a team of opticians-optometrists and product specialists who will help you choose the magnification that best suits your specialty, and we offer you the possibility to try them out so that you make the best decision.
Contact us by emailing us at hola@vittrea.com or by calling our customer service phone number, 984 491 808.