What to consider when purchasing a loupe.

The quality of a loupe system is governed by four key visual characteristics:

1. 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.

2. Field width is the size of the operating site when viewed through loupes. Healthcare 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.

3. 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 eye’s ability to focus (accommodation).

4. 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 0.5x. Since there is no standard to measure magnification, Orascoptic has adopted a simple system to promote the professional's clear understanding of the choices available:

Class II Magnification: Between 2.0 and 2.9 power

Class III Magnification: Between 3.0 and 3.9 power

Class IV Magnification: Between 4.0 and 4.9 power

Other characteristics to consider in a loupe system include its weight,

the angle of the telescopes, and the comfort and style of the frame.

In summary, Superior Visualization is achieved by sustaining

high resolution across a wide and deep field.