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An optical device for viewing small details with two eyes is called a binocular loupe. It is widely used by dentists, surgeons, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons. Often, using the device, the anterior segment of the organ of vision is examined in order to detect pathological changes and disorders. There are several types of magnifying glass, but the most convenient is the forehead one.
Features of the binocular loupe
Doctors use binocular devices to get a clearer image, magnified several times. With the help of the device, eye strain is reduced and visual acuity is increased, so that the specialist can examine the area under study in detail.
Optical devices differ in magnification, depth of field and working distance. There are binocular loupes with an image magnification of two, two and a half and even six times. The doctor during the examination of the patient most often uses a device with maximum magnification. Trainees in medical institutions examine patients with binocular loupes with a double approximation of the area being examined.
The characteristics of an optical device are related to each other, therefore, with a large expansion, the field of view narrows and the specialist will be able to consider not the entire object, but only small sections of it. Also, if a device with a sixfold approximation is used during inspection, it must be remembered that this significantly reduces the depth of the perceived space. Therefore, when using a binocular loupe in surgery and dentistry, you need to ensure that all the necessary objects fall into the field of view and are not blurry.
To view the area of interest more clearly, you need to adjust the working distance, for example, using instrument settings or approaching or moving away from the area being examined. A loupe with the same distance but different magnification will have a different depth of field and field of view.
For example, if you examine a patient with a device with a twofold increase at a distance of 3,4 centimeters, then the field of view and depth of field will be the same – 1,3 centimeters. In the case when a doctor examines an object with a magnifying glass with an approximation of 2,5 times at the same distance, the field of view will be 0,9 centimeters, and the sharpness will be 1,1 centimeters. When examining with a magnifying glass with a sixfold approximation at a similar working distance, the sharpness will be equal to 0,3 centimeters, and the field of observation will be 0,4 centimeters.
If a device with a sixfold zoom is used, the amount of light passing through the optics will decrease. In this case, it is necessary to use the device only in an office with good and high-quality lighting. For an optical device with a small magnification, you need to use an LED source, and for a magnifying glass with a large approximation, a halogen illuminator is suitable.
A binocular lens with an approximation of two and a half times is considered the classic and most convenient. It is quick to set up and has a medium depth of field so you don’t have to constantly change your working distance. It is quite easy to get used to working with a binocular device, since the mechanism is easy to use. Optical devices with a six-fold zoom are most often used in conventional surgery and neurosurgery during surgical interventions.
Varieties of binocular loupes by mounting
Binocular lenses differ from each other not only in basic characteristics, such as depth of field, working distance, but also in the method of attachment. For a doctor, it is very important that the hands are free during the examination, and even more so during the operation, therefore, specialists prefer head-mounted optical devices. The magnifying glass can be attached to:
- special helmet;
- metal frame;
- hoop;
- eyeglass frame
Devices mounted on a spectacle frame or helmet are considered convenient, since they allow you to properly distribute the load. Most often, spectacle frames have special mounts designed for corrective lenses. This allows several specialists to change the visual acuity not to change the frame, but to use the same one with the lenses. Often protective glasses are made of a special material called polycarbonate, they can be easily replaced with new ones.
As for helmets, they can be without protective glasses. The doctor can put on and use it together with his glasses. The device is fully customizable (height and width are adjusted), and soft pads inside the helmet allow you to wear it for several hours without discomfort. There are models of helmets with protective glasses.
Description of head binocular lens
Head binocular loupes are modern medical devices that are designed to magnify a certain object multiple times during surgery. Also, the optical device illuminates the area under study without forming a shadow. The device can increase the resolution, luminosity, stereoscopic effect, thereby reducing the load on the organ of vision and increasing the speed, quality and effectiveness of the doctor’s work.
The binocular lens, which is attached to the helmet, provides comfortable conditions for long-term work. The distance of the magnifier between the pupils can be adjusted with a special handle attached to the helmet. The magnifying glass has a fairly good brightness, so you can inspect the area under study for 5-6 hours without additional recharging. It is allowed to work with a magnifying glass connected to the network without time restrictions.
One of the main advantages of an optical device is the ability to work only with a magnifying glass light source. It can be removed from the field of observation by hand, while the illuminator will not budge. The service life of the medical device is guaranteed by the manufacturers and is at least 30 years. LEDs can work up to 50 thousand hours. The LED light source is characterized by low heat generation, reliability, wide spectrum, high quality and safety.
Numerous areas of use
The binocular loupe has many applications, the main of which are: gynecology; dentistry; traumatology; endodontics; otolaryngology; ophthalmology; otorhinolaryngology. The medical device has been widely used in various areas of surgery: vascular; orthopedic; maxillofacial; plastic; general; cardiac surgery; neurosurgery.
Doctors from public and private clinics conduct examinations of patients using a lens, because with its help you can see the smallest details of the object and reveal hidden diseases, pathological disorders, deviations from the norm and anomalies.
Advantages of a modern medical device
The binocular loupe has a number of advantages: image brightness and excellent color reproduction (special coating easily eliminates light reflections and provides an accurate picture); light weight and compact design (the mass of the optical device varies from 70 to 100 grams); resistant to dust and water (the lens is very easy to clean and disinfect).
The binocular device is very practical and is in the arsenal of almost every medical worker. With the help of a magnifying glass, you can identify various diseases and make the correct diagnosis. The wide scope of application speaks of the importance and expediency of this device.