Binocular glasses ExamVision and Univet: what is it, why do we need dental loupes

The development of special binocular glasses has aroused great interest among dentists. They greatly simplify and improve the quality of the specialist's work.

However, not all doctors, with the advent of technological innovations, introduce them into their practice, especially dentists with good eyesight do not see the point in their use.

Let's figure out what they are and how dental binocular loupes are used, how to choose the right option.

Why are binocular glasses needed?

Binocular glasses (in other words binoculars) are a type of optical system that is used in various fields, in particular, in dentistry. Studies have shown that binoculars increase the comfort and accuracy of work at times. Devices differ in design, technical features, mounting type and lens type. One of the most popular binoculars on the market are ExamVision and Univet binoculars.

The main task of the eyepieces is a detailed examination of the patient's oral cavity. Due to the magnification of the image, the dentist has the opportunity to see even the smallest damage. Another important point is the expansion of the field of view. Using the device, the specialist opens an overview of the so-called blind spots, which are very difficult to see during a normal examination.

Binocular glasses increase not only the quality, but also the comfort during work. When using special optics, according to the experts themselves, in some cases it is possible to avoid occupational diseases, in particular, loss of vision.

The device allows the doctor in a comfortable position and at a convenient distance from the oral cavity to assess the situation and conduct appropriate treatment. The load is removed from the back, neck, labor productivity will increase - the work will be done faster.

What tasks does binocular glasses solve:

• diagnostics of microcracks that are difficult to identify with the naked eye;
• creating an ideal tooth microrelief;
• determination of some types of root fractures;
• control over the situation during root canal filling;
• accurate performance of surgical operations without errors.

In which branches of dentistry are binocular optics used?

Eyepieces are used for small jobs in many branches of dentistry, namely: in implantology, endodontics, restorative / orthopedic dentistry. Implantology is considered one of the main ones. In this area, maximum accuracy is needed when placing the implants at the required horizontal level.

In endodontic treatment, the device is simply irreplaceable when searching for a root canal. It allows technicians to perform work as accurately as possible when modeling and applying ceramics, applying touch-ups.

Note! Abroad, the use of optical systems is the norm, and courses on binocular devices are taught in universities.

The structure and characteristics of dental binoculars

Binoculars consist of 3 parts: 1 part - frame, 2 part - protective glasses, 3 part - binocular lenses. When characterizing an optical device, such parameters as magnification, field of view, weight, depth of field, tilt angle, and typ.

Increase

Lenses have different magnification powers. Its degree indicates the size of the image. Many manufacturers advise starting work with glasses at the 2.5x mark, after acquiring the skills, you can switch to lenses with a higher magnification. There is no clear scale for measuring the magnification force, the range can vary from 1x to 6x.

line of sight

The field of view is understood as the observed area of ​​the working surface under magnification. The higher this characteristic, the more convenient it will be to work. It also depends on the type of glasses attachment and lens design, the diameter of the optical tube, and the magnification level. The further the specialist's eyes are from the patient, the larger the area of ​​the field of view. With a magnification of 2.5x, a visible area of ​​10 cm is considered optimal.

Viewing angle and depth of field

The viewing angle is an indicator that shows the ergonomic value of the device. High-quality glasses enable the dentist to look at the teeth without tilting and turning the head. The neck and the entire body are in a comfortable position for the specialist. The optimum tilt angle is 30 degrees. But you can choose a convenient value.

Depth of field refers to the range of space within focus. It shows how far the dentist can move away / approach and at the same time remain in focus. The indicator depends on the field of view, lighting, magnifier design and eye accommodation.

The weight

Binocular glasses differ in weight - the value depends on the type of construction. When choosing glasses, attention is paid to this parameter as much as to the style of the frame and design.

Resolution and type

Resolution is a measure that speaks about the clarity of the image of small details. Depends on the quality of the lenses and the design of the optical system. High resolution models are preferred.

Binoculars differ in the type of attachment and the type of lenses.

At the place of attachment, 2 types are distinguished:

1. Fastened to the frame - Looks like simple glasses to which an optical device is attached. The peculiarity of such models is that at any time the doctor can lift an additional part, while remaining in the same glasses. They are considered more mobile and lightweight.
   

   Carl Zeiss binocular loupes

2. Attached to the belt - the model has a more complex design. Visually resembles a helmet. Feature - this type of device evenly distributes weight, eliminating general fatigue. It is considered a more convenient and reliable option.
   

   Heine HRP Set C

According to the type of lenses, the following varieties are distinguished:

1. The lenses pass through the glass of the frame - in this model, the optical system is built right into the glasses. Here the optics are located close to the pupil, which makes the device more convenient to use. Feature - reducing the load on the bridge of the nose. The model is made to order based on the direction of work and individual characteristics.
2. The magnifier is placed on a beam and is attached to the helmet / goggles. A feature of this type is lower cost and the ability to raise and remove from the field of view, attach to another frame.

How Do I Pick a Good Appliance?

For specialized use in dental practice, optics with the following characteristics are required:

1. High resolution lenses made with HR technology. They are distortion-free throughout the entire field of view.
2. It is preferable to choose achromatic lenses - they reduce re-reflection from surfaces and increase clarity.
3. The presence of a coating that allows you to remove light reflexes of the fundus.
4. The device must be moisture and dust resistant, which improves its performance. In the absence of these qualities, after a while, fine dust may enter or depressurize. In the first case, the image quality suffers and the eyes get tired, and in the second case, fogging of the glasses leads to a decrease in visibility.

The specifics of the specialist's work should be taken into account:

1. In implantology, lenses with a magnification of 3.5x are used. For such devices, it is preferable to choose a model with illumination, and the type of attachment is a head helmet or a hoop.
2. V orthopedics binocular systems with a lower magnification than in the previous case are in demand. 2x or 2.5x will do.
3. In endodontics, devices with a high degree of magnification are used - 4x-6x.
4. For the dental technician, a high magnification is preferable - from 4x to 6x.
5. For therapeutic purposes, devices with a magnification of 2.5x, 3x, 3.5x are used.

Review of budget binoculars:

Features of the correct selection of optics

The selection of binocular glasses must be taken seriously. First of all, the health of the eyes and the accuracy of work depend on this. When choosing an optical system, it is recommended to adhere to clear rules. The selection starts with the lowest magnification. The weight and comfort of wearing are taken into account - the device should not cause any inconvenience. Before purchasing, the selected model is necessarily tested.

To assess the quality of optical systems, you need to take a piece of paper with parallel stripes, which are tightly placed to each other. Blurry, fuzzy line boundaries indicate poor resolution. Gray fog at the border of the stripes - lenses of poor quality. The rounded edges of the stripes indicate spherical aberration, i.e. the appliance can cheat with the dimensions of any defects.

The choice of mounting method is another important point. For short-term procedures, it is recommended to use mounts on the frame, for longer and more precise operations - a hoop or helmet. Shields / protective lenses and additional illumination are selected for the optical system.

In theory, binoculars can be used by several specialists - there are no special restrictions.

But in such cases, it is necessary to take into account some of the nuances:

• features of vision;
• skills of working at different distances;
• different requirements for the device for dentists of various specializations.

To find the optimal design, it is necessary to choose a model with a simple adjustment system (with a minimum number of metal adjustment elements).

Comparison of Chinese binoculars and Univet device: