ErgonoptiX Comfort - Dental & Surgical Loupe Guide

Which model loupe do I need ? When purchasing a new loupe, it is important that you choose the correct magnification and working distance in order to ensure that you work in complete ergonomic harmony with your new loupe. Assuming the correct working posture reduces eye strain, back / shoulder / neck tension, and the related stress-induced headaches. Less known but no less important is the psychological impact: good ergonomics improve information processing and decision-making. The main factors to consider when choosing a new loupe are: 1. Magnification - What level of magnification should I choose? 2. Working Distance - What is my working distance? 3. Frame Size - What size frame do I need? 4. Field of view - What about field of view? 5. Depth of field (Depth of focus) - What about depth of field? 6. Prescription Lenses (Corrective Lenses) - What if I need prescription lenses? 7. Weight Of The Loupes - What about the weight of the loupes?
1. Magnification: The level of magnification used is most often based on personal preferences. However, there are a few guidelines which could help in choosing the best magnification for your specific needs. Our first recommendation is to choose the lowest comfortable magnification level, as this would provide the widest field of view. Experience shows that the most commonly used and recommended magnification for loupes in different dental fields are as follows: Specialty Magnification General dentistry, Dental hygiene, Implantology: 2.5x Endo, Crown and Bridge work: 3.5x - 4.0x Lab work, Technician: 4.0x - 5.0x
2. Working distance: The working distance refers to the distance between your eyes, and the patients mouth. You can measure this while assuming your normal working position, making sure you are comfortable, that your back is straight, and that you are not leaning forward too much. Perhaps you could ask someone to assist you in this procedure. You can also use the following table to help determine the best working distance for your personal needs: Height <170 cm (5ft 7 in) 170-190 cm (5ft 7 in to 6ft 4 in) >190 cm (6ft 4 in) Sitting 340 mm (14 in) 420 mm (16 in) 500 mm (20 in) Standing 420 mm (16 in) 500 mm (20 in) 550 mm (22 in)
3. Frame & Size: * The ErgonoptiX Protective Safety Frames (plastic), is available in "one size fits all", and is adjustable in size. * The ErgonoptiX Standard loupe frame (light weight metal alloy), is available in 3 different sizes: * Small * Medium * Large Use the following information to determine the best frame size for your specific needs: The most important dimension for determining frame size is A - The temple distance. Find a pair of glasses that fit you comfortably (your own, others, sunglasses?) and measure the temple distance along the inside of the frame. (Preferably use a similar style, straight frame). Compare those measurements to the ErgonoptiX frames (see chart bellow) and choose the frame size that is closest to your own measurements. Frame sizes: Small Medium Large A - Temple distance 126 mm (4.96 in) 131 mm (5.16 in) 139 mm (5.48 in) B - Lens diameter 50 mm (1.97 in) 52 mm (2.05 in) 56 mm (2.21 in) C - Bridge width 15 mm (0.59 in) 15 mm (0.59 in) 15 mm (0.59 in) All size frames: D - Adjustable pupil distance - Galilean: 46mm - 70mm ( 1.81 - 2.76 inch ) D - Adjustable pupil distance - Prismatic: 48mm - 80mm ( 1.89 - 3.15 inch )
4. Field Of View: The field of view is the area that is visible & in focus, while looking through the loupes. A larger field of view is preferred, as there is a larger area visible through the loupes, and there is less need to move your head around. The size of the "field of view" corresponds directly to the "working distance". Simply stated: A loupe with a longer working distance, will have a larger field of view, and vice versa. The size of the "field of view" also corresponds directly to the magnification factor. Simply stated: A loupe with a lower magnification factor, will have a larger field of view, and vice versa. All ErgonoptiX Comfort Loupes utilize high performance lens systems that provide an extra wide field of view (up to 125mm / 4.9 inch).
5. Depth Of Field: The depth of field is the depth of the area that is visible & in focus, while looking through the loupes. A larger depth of field is preferred, as there is a deeper area visible through the loupes. The size of the "depth of field" corresponds directly to the "working distance". Simply stated: A loupe with a longer working distance, will have a larger depth of field, and vice versa. The size of the "depth of field" also corresponds directly to the magnification factor. Simply stated: A loupe with a lower magnification factor, will have a larger depth of field, and vice versa. All ErgonoptiX Comfort Loupes utilize high performance lens systems that provide an extra large depth of field (up to 120mm / 4.7 inch).
6. Prescription Lenses: If you use glasses with prescription lenses, it is important that you have the option of fitting your loupes frames with the correct prescription. Otherwise, the loupes will not perform according to specifications. The ErgonoptiX Comfort, standard frames, can easily be fitted with prescription lenses by your optician. ErgonoptiX Comfort loupes are also available in a "clip-on" option, which can be clipped on to your regular glasses.
7. The Weight Of The Loupes: Weight is an important factor when choosing a new loupe. Especially if the loupe is to be used for longer periods of time. Light weight loupes are more comfortable, and in the long term, will reduce tension and other complications. Ultra light weight loupes, offer the maximal comfort. All ErgonoptiX Comfort Loupes utilize extremely light weight materials. Loupes weigh as little as 42 grams (not including frame).
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