Ophthalmologists are micro surgeons, trained to operate with precise control and meticulous detail on one of the smallest organs in the body. They therefore rely on a variety of magnification instruments to operate. Many external, oculoplastics and pediatric procedures can also be performed with high quality surgical loupes.
Surgeons from a wide range of microsurgical subspecialties use surgical loupes on a routine basis in their practices. Loupes can provide up to six times magnification compared with operating microscopes, which provide up to 40 times magnification. While operating microscopes are usually necessary when performing procedures on structures that are less than 1-2 mm, loupes are less expensive, easier to use, and mobile alternatives for procedures requiring less magnification. Amongst the range of surgical sub specialists, Ophthalmologists depend relatively heavily on operating microscopes and surgical loupes.
Several factors should be taken into consideration when purchasing surgical loupes.
Resolution
Resolution depends on the design and quality of the lenses used in the loupes. It is the primary factor in determining the overall quality of the loupe. Lenses used by Admetec-Vision provide excellent resolution.
Width of the loupe field
Ophthalmic surgeons normally prefer a large field-width, since a wider loupe field allows the surgeons to keep their instruments in perspective with the area of focus. The width of the field is also determined in part by the design and quality of the optics.
Magnifying power
Ophthalmic surgeons usually prefer loupes magnifying between 2.5X to 4X. Some procedures require more magnification than others, and a surgeon performing oculoplastics procedures may require loupes with different magnification compared with those surgeons performing pediatric strabismus procedures or scleral buckles.
Depth of field
An important factor the loupe’s depth of field. The field depth is a measure of the loupe’s capacity to focus across a given distance.
Other factors
Other factors in selecting surgical loupes are the weight of the instrument and the working angle of the loupes. Most surgeons prefer lighter frames to minimize strain.
Working angle
This optical declination angle is the angle to which the surgeons lower their eyes in order to obtain the optimal working position through the loupes. Most surgeons measure their angle by sitting in their optimal working position with their eyes closed, then opening their eyes to ensure that their loupes match their working angle.
AdmetecVision 