Why I bought my first set of loupes in 2021 even though my eye sight is still 20:20
Before my cohort qualified in 2008 one of the first trades to contact us was loupes companies offering us student discounts and free measuring and fitting services. As many of my colleagues duly bought their loupes - I was hesitant and resisted spending the cash. This was in most part due to finances but also having had no experience of using loupes I wasn’t sure what I was missing - or even that there was anything to miss.
Many of the dentists I was working with at the time were not using loupes and so I felt as a therapist I probably didn’t need them either. Fast forward to 2021 and although my vision is 20:20 still I’ve noticed a surge in the number of my colleagues who use them. It has been getting to the stage in my practices where not using loupes for restorative cases was becoming unusual. Loupes had also been at the front of my mind during the 2020 pandemic while I was fit testing hundreds of dentists and dental care professionals who needed to ensure their FFP3 and P3 respirators would fit alongside their loupes. It was at that stage that I decided it was time for me to look again at getting a pair.
Many of my colleagues have had to forego using their loupes while wearing FFP3 respirators due to the difficulty of getting a good fit while also keeping their correct working distance and angulation. I was concerned that I would be investing in kit that may be redundant for some time so I reached out to Joe at Q-optics and discussed my concerns. Joe explained to me that they would be able to give me a range to try, give me time to check my chosen style and size works with my current respirator and offer a lifetime support and guarantee.
I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of ordering, Lorraine from Q-optics arrived at my practice with a large case brimming with options. The case was layer upon layer of frame styles, colours, sizes and magnification options. She patiently allowed me to test each style, I was able to try my respirator options and had plenty of time to fit check each one. I chose a style that fitted me comfortably and felt compatible with my current PPE and personal surgery set up. It was very helpful to have Lorraine come to my surgery so I could sit in my own chair for measurements - she was extremely thorough making sure that my posture and working distance were correct. We discussed light options and I was able to try a wired and wireless version to feel the difference and get more of an understanding of what option would work better for me.
Q-optics also developed their own visors which helpfully clip on to the frame of the loupes and have a cut out so that my light isn’t reflecting back at me, the case they came in was personalised and is compact enough to easily fit into my camera bag. These touches make all the difference when ordering especially as a Therapist I move between surgeries and practices and I need my equipment to be well protected at all times.
Since working with Loupes; I have become converted along with so many people who say they can’t believe they worked without for so long! I feel like my posture is better - my chiropractor is missing my regular visits. Additionally, my patients seem to sit better, almost as if they are taking the appointment more seriously because of the kit I am using. I have really seen the benefit of having that illuminated magnification and although it has taken some getting used to, the loupes no longer feel difficult to get into the right spot.
What frames should I buy?
I would say try all of the frames to find something that you are comfortable in. Try them with both an FRSM and your FFP3 to ensure that they fit well on both and do not compromise the seal of your respirator. I went for square frames because as a non-glasses wearer I have always wanted a set of square frames however helpfully these also fit me and all my mask options well! I would say if you are used to Hogies style wraparound safety glasses the options from Q-optics are very comprehensive and you can choose from lots of colours!
What Light should I get?
This question is very important, you should consider how long you will be using your loupes for each day and also how easy is it for you to charge your light.
For me, I work part time and don’t use the loupes for hygiene maintenance appointments so I decided on a wireless light.
If you are wearing the loupes all day a wired light is likely to have longer battery life and see you through the day.
Charging both lights is really easy and my wireless light came with two batteries which just clip on in seconds.
How can I ensure they fit me?
Trust the rep that comes to you and try lots of styles. Try to make sure that when your working length is measured you are really sitting in your ideal position and ensure that you try the loupes with a light attached so that you can feel the weight of them.
How long does it take to get used to using them?
It really only took me one or two patients of use to feel entirely comfortable however I did spend some time with them at home making sure that I was able to adjust the light position and get them on and off again easily. It is normal for people to feel a little dizzy the first few times they wear them or to get a small headache. In these situations; try wearing for one or two patients a day and build up to wearing them more.
What happens if they break?
Q-optics give a lifetime warrantee on their loupes which is what really attracted me to them - I have three small children and I move between surgeries and practices daily so I needed to know I would be supported if my loupes needed a little TLC.
What kind of maintenance is involved?
The case came with special cleaning fluid and cloth to keep the lenses clear and clean. Other than that all you need to do is charge your light battery. They really feel robust even though they are very light and as a busy clinician I am pleased that there is very little needed to keep my loupes in good condition!
