Surgical Loupes Shopping Guide

The application of magnification has been known to offer many benefits especially. It makes it possible for surgeons to carry out specialized and complex surgical procedures more accurately. Magnification can be achieved by using magnifying optical aids like surgical glasses. In order to pick the right surgical loupes, here are a few factors that you need to consider.

Magnification plays a very vital role in every surgical procedure. It has revolutionized both reconstructive and microvascular surgery. It allows the surgeon to see the operating region clearly and closely, thus enhancing his precision and accuracy.

One way to achieve magnification is to use surgical glasses or loupes. Surgical glasses do not just enhance the visual acuity of the operator, they likewise make it easier for him to maintain an ergonomic posture, thus preventing musculoskeletal pains and eyestrain at the end of the surgical operation.

Surgical loupes make specialized and complex surgical procedures in the areas of urology, plastic surgery, transplantation surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, otorhinolaryngology, and other delicate surgical disciplines possible.

Factors to consider when choosing surgical loupes

Surgical loupes are available in different measurements, designs, quality, type, and magnification powers. In order to pick the right pair of surgical magnification loupes, you need to consider these factors.

Magnification Power

Depending on how you are going to use the surgical loupe, you can choose a magnification power from 2.5x to 6.0x. For general use, you can pick the loupe with lower magnification (from 2.5x to 3.5x). If you are going to use it for more complicated procedures that require higher levels of magnification, choose the 4.0x to 6.0x loupes.

Type of Loupes

There are basically two types of surgical glasses- the flip-up loupes and the through the lens loupes. The flip-up loupe has optical barrels that are attached to an adjustable hinge mechanism mounted into the carrier lens. It offers adjustable interpupillary distance and greater angle of the declination. But, it is heavy and it has a narrow field of view.
The through the lens or TTL loupes have optical barrels that are directly drilled and attached to the carrier lens. They have a light weight and a wider field of view.

Measurements

There are a few measurements that you need to consider when picking a surgical optical loupe. One is the working distance or the measurement of the distance between your eyes and your projected operating region while you are sitting or standing in a neutral and upright working posture. It is important that you know your working distance as it helps you choose the right ergonomic loupes.

Another measurement is the interpupillary distance or the distance between the two pupils of your eyes. The other measurements are the depth of a field and the field of view.

The measurements of the surgical loupes are directly relative to each other and to the magnification power. The lower the magnification power, the wider the field of view and the larger the depth of field. Moreover, as the working distance increases, the magnification decreases.

In order for you to get the most benefits offered by surgical loupes, they should be custom made based on the above-mentioned considerations.