The Influence of Galilean and Kepler Loupe Systems Under Simulated Clinical Conditions

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to compare near visual acuity of dentists with use of the Galilean telescope system (VGA2) with magnification of x 2.5 , distance of 350 mm with use of the Kepler telescope system (VK3, 3) with magnification of x 3.3 , distance of 450 mm in simulated clinical conditions. Methods: The study included 50 dentists (visual acuity 1.0 without correction). Miniaturized Snellen visual test was placed in the molar cavity of dental phantom head in simulated clinical conditions. Near visual acuity for the vicinity was examined: 1) with Galilean loupes, magnification of x2.5, focal length 350mm 2) with Kepler telescope system (VK3, 3), magnification of x 3.3 , distance of 450 mm in simulated clinical conditions. Results: The distribution of near visual acuity recorded using VGA2, 5 and VK3, 3 systems were compared by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Results by Wilcoxon Signed Rank test indicated a statistically significant difference in the distribution of recorded visual acuity between VGA 2, 5 and VK3, 3 optical system (W = - 102 ; p <0.001). Conclusions: Using VK3, 3 system higher values of near visual acuity were recorded compared to near visual acuity with Galilean magnifying aids (VG2, 5).