Enhance Vision and Ergonomics With Loupes and Lights

Visual acuity is not only critical when performing precise movements during clinical care, it also helps sustain proper ergonomics and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). According to the American Optometric Association, visual acuity is defined as clarity or sharpness of vision.¹ Dentists operate in the oral cavity with a restricted field of vision due to limited space and lighting.^2,3 In practice, they also use visual motor integration to control eye and hand coordination, so any challenges to visual acuity can compromise the efficacy of care.^2–4 Additionally, deficits in visual acuity impact a dentist’s ability to accurately diagnosis diseases of the hard and soft tissues, read the periodontal probe, and evaluate radiographs — among other challenges.^2,5–7 In response to these concerns, oral health professionals may wish to consider loupes and lights to improve ergonomic positioning and enhance their clinical view.

Because visual acuity naturally declines with age, dentists may compromise their ergonomics positioning to enhance their clinical view.⁷ Considering that many oral health professionals are practicing longer and relying on the overall strength of their bodies to extend their careers, ergonomic health and visual acuity are topics of concern.^8,9 This is because visual deficiencies may impact postural positioning, thus compromising ergonomic health and increasing the risk for MSDs.^3,4 This risk is exacerbated by prolonged static positions and repetitive clinical movements, especially when operating with a limited field of vision.^2–4 

Pain and injury from MSDs are associated with the number of hours practiced weekly, and often affect the spine, shoulders, back and neck.^3,8,9 Visual deficiencies may result in the head being tilted forward, overexerted neck flexion, and lack of balance. A neutral neck position should be maintained during clinical care, which encompasses a head tilt range of 0° to 15° and a neck flexion of 0° to 20°. Dentists’ neck flexion is often beyond 20°, causing neck pain (Figure 1).^3,10,11 In addition, for every inch the head is tilted forward and the neck is flexed, musculoskeletal stress also increases.¹² This adds strain to the cervical muscles of the neck and initiates a domino effect of abnormal forces to the spine, compromising ergonomic health.¹³ Furthermore, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the widespread use of face shields to protect against spatter and aerosols may impact visual acuity and ergonomic health; hence, selecting a face shield that is lightweight, has a secure fit, and appropriately covers the face will help support proper neck flexion and vision.

Maintaining a neutral neck position can be challenging as visual acuity declines with age and the risk of visual deficiencies — such as presbyopia and farsightedness — increases, especially among clinicians older than 40. Presbyopia is caused by the loss of elasticity in the lens of the eye, which makes it challenging to focus on objects in close range.^7,14 While dentists maintain a short working distance from the oral cavity of 27 to 50 cm,¹⁵ they also perform visual tasks at greater distances, such as when viewing radiographs or computer monitors. In addition, the expansion of electronic displays in dental settings, as well as prolonged personal electronic use, contribute to eye strain, discomfort and ocular surface changes.¹⁶ Visual deficiencies caused by age and blurred vision from presbyopia impact the ability to focus on objects in various ranges during patient care. 

MAGNIFICATION AND ILLUMINATION

The use of loupes is an evidence-based strategy to improve clinical performance and ergonomics.^17–19 In dentistry, both Galilean and Keplarian telescope systems are used. The Keplarian prismatic loupes have a higher magnification compared to the Galilean design. Because of their 3.5x to 8.0x magnification, Keplarian loupes have longer barrels and are heavier than Galilean loupes. This increase in magnification creates a smaller field of view, decreases the amount of light entering the lens, and is more challenging to adapt to for new users. Variable Keplarian loupes offering different levels of magnification — ranging from 3x to 5x — in a single loupe are becoming more popular with dentists. Galilean loupes offer a magnification range from 2.0x to 3.5x. With a concave lens and a convex lens, Galilean loupes produce a more distinct image than a single lens setup.²⁰ Most general dentists require a 2.5x magnification range, whereas specialty practice (periodontics and endodontics, for example) may require magnification of 3.5x or greater. 

Panoramic loupes with a 3.5x magnification are also available. The panoramic lens is rectangular; this allows for increased peripheral vision, doubling the Keplarian prismatic viewable area. This type of loupe may be ideal to see more teeth at one time. 

The use of loupes improves ergonomics and reduces the risk of MSDs.^6,8,9,21,22 Additionally, loupes enhance indirect vision, improve visual acuity during delicate procedures, and help address visual deficiencies among clinicians older than 40.^2,6,7 Clinical vision within the oral cavity can also be enhanced with the combined use of loupes and lights.^23,24

When properly fitted, loupes should be considered a foundational component to musculoskeletal health, and have been documented as an ergonomic intervention to reduce MSD prevalence and pain in the neck and back.^8,9 Enhancing magnification with illumination from a headlight also improves visual acuity and supports balance. The literature, however, is limited on the impact of loupes on treatment outcomes.⁹

DISADVANTAGES OF LOUPES AND LIGHTS

The use of loupes and lights is not without disadvantages. A clinician’s sensorimotor may be altered while wearing loupes due to the eyes shifting from magnified to nonmagnified fields, making it challenging to maintain balance and a neutral neck position. Changes in magnification fields may also cause vertigo and eye fatigue. Providers should know the adjustment period for wearing loupes is usually two to three weeks.^25–27 

Both the Galilean and Keplarian loupe lenses can be mounted onto the front of the frame as a “flip up” or entrenched into the spectacle lens itself, which is known as a through-the-lens (TTL) loupe. For dentists with prescription glasses, the flip-up loupe is best because the prescription lenses can easily be placed in and out as needed. The flip-up loupe, however, is heavier than the TTL loupe. Although the fixed TTL loupe is lighter, it is also more expensive, and clinicians do not have the ability to easily switch between magnified and direct vision.

The weight and cost of loupes and lights are also considerations. Loupes and accessories cost between $850 and $2400, and lights range between $300 and $600. In regard to ergonomic health, the additional weight of loupes, lights and face shields poses risks as well. As noted, Keplarian telescope systems provide higher magnification, but are heavier than Galilean loupes; they are also more expensive. In addition, LED headlamps add weight, as some LED headlamps require an attached battery pack. Headlight systems vary greatly between manufacturers, however, and most illumination systems are offered with either cordless or corded batteries. Lights with corded batteries are often lighter on the frame. Another consideration is that at certain intensities LED illumination may harm the retina; thus it is important to verify that a headlight’s LED has white or colorless beams.²⁸ 

The type of loupe and light purchased depends on the user’s individual needs. Loupes must be properly adjusted to conform to the dentist’s facial features, as even the smallest fitting error can cause eyestrain.²⁹ As light intensities can vary, dentists should inquire about illumination products that will be both safe and comfortable. Providers should educate themselves on loupe and light brands and seek professional assistance for customized fitting before making a purchase. Other factors to consider when purchasing loupes and lights are the cost of accessories and replacement parts, as well as ease of routine care and maintenance. 

SUMMARY

Dentists wishing to extend their careers should strive to maintain ergonomic health. Toward this goal, visual acuity is necessary to provide optimal care and sustain proper ergonomics. Oral health professionals should be aware of visual deficiencies and the natural process of declining vision with age. Considering the effect of visual acuity on clinical care and ergonomics, providers should have their vision evaluated regularly. The addition of loupes and lights may compensate for visual deficiencies and improve ergonomics, thereby allowing dentists to avoid MSDs, practice safely, and potentially enhance diagnosis and treatment outcomes. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Dentists operate in the oral cavity with a restricted field of vision due to limited space and lighting;^2,3 consequently, optimizing visual acuity will aid diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
• Enhanced visual acuity also helps sustain proper ergonomics and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) arising from the cumulative stress of daily practice.
• Integrating magnification and illumination in clinical care can help enhance visual acuity and promote ergonomic health.
• The use of loupes is an evidence-based strategy to improve ergonomics and clinical performance.^17–19 
• Similarly, loupe-based light systems optimize clinicians’ view of the field of operation.
• Most general dentists require a 2.5x magnification range, whereas specialty practice (periodontics and endodontics, for example) may require magnification of 3.5x or greater. 
• When properly fitted, loupes should be considered a foundational component to musculoskeletal health and have been documented as an ergonomic intervention to reduce MSD prevalence.^8,9

References

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From Decisions in Dentistry. December 2021;7(11):22-24.