A clinician's guide to purchasing surgical loupes.

Magnification using loupes is expanding within dental professions. Loupes offer enhanced vision of fine detail and critical ergonomic advantages. To achieve the maximum benefit from loupes, the dental professional should consider key features at the time of purchase. Proper fitting and adjustment are essential elements in the successful use of loupes. Though more expensive than simple, diopter lenses, the inherent advantages of compound and prism telescopic loupes make them superior choices when dental magnification is being considered.