I have these on order for all the same reasons you talked about. When trying to find out more, I couldn't find a good RU-vid review. I think you might have found the topic and video to really get your content out there! I tell all the dental student I run into about your videos. Keep posting
Thanks! I'm looking into these loupes for working with electronics. One observation: I think that what you call "field of view" is the "pupil apperture" or "pupil diameter". A lens with a bigger diamater doesn't require you to look at the center of the lens but you can actually let the glasses move around and you can see the image effortlessly.
Excellent presentation as always. Thank you. I tried a pair of Pentax 4.0 Prism Vue yesterday for 3 hours. I noticed an immediate improvement in neck strain using them. I swapped back to my Orascoptics for 10 minutes, and I could sense I was stretching my neck and massaging it after a short time. So , love the posture. But I think the learning curve will be huge,. Like you I have muscle memory with my conventional loupes. In difficult situations, I tend to stick my head right in there to view a palatal aspect of an upper left molar, for example. With these prisms, you cannot do that. You must rely on using your hand mirror all the time. It feels like I am performing dentistry under robotics, because sitting so upright it seems I am looking at a monitor or through a periscope. A little disengaged if you know what I mean. For me, when I rotate my head, the whole field of vision moves like it is on a gimbal. Also harder to pick things up off the bench or tray because I am so use to the direct vision of conventional loupes. Need a good assistant who knows your every move to get best benefit of these loupes. I am looking forward to your follow up video after using them for a while. I am deciding whether to jump in and buy! I have 2 pairs of Orascoptics 2.5 and 3.5 s. I love them. I use them all the time. These new ones from Pentax cost AUD $ 4200. Does that mean the Orascoptics will reside in the cupboard forever. Or do you plan to rotate them for the task at hand? For example, when taking out a difficult retained root, I like to `cheat' and stick my head right in there with my direct vision loupes. Sorry for the lengthy comment. It`s a Covid lockdown in Melbourne and got spare time. Stay safe.
Geoffrey, thank you for the comment! Everything you said has been EXACTLY my experience with these loupes. I was not aware of how much neck strain I had with conventional loupes and how much better my neck feels with the ergoprism. I do the exact same thing, leaning in to see palatal root for example. I am still faster with my old loupes because of how much I can “cheat” with my posture for a quick glance at something. I would estimate a have to use the mirror maybe 2x more. All in all, I think it is worth it and the learning curve is getting better. I do wonder if you started dentistry from day one with these loupes if they would be easier to adapt to because you never knew anything different. I have a good friend from Melbourne originally, he lives here now, and he was telling me how strict the lockdowns were. Hope you are staying well and you get some sense of normal soon!
Good to have you back Doc! Our school had a student deal, passed on them this time but definitely trying them out next year. Looking forward to the follow-up video.
I tried these, waited literally 3 months, pupillary distance completely off. Not only that, like you mentioned the field of view and magnification were much weaker. I decided to go with Q-Optics and I now have no more neck and upper back pain. Q-optics is also cheaper, higher quality, and lifetime warranty. Never looking back!!! I've trialed orascoptic eyezoom, surgitel, hero loupes, lumadent ergoprisms...q-optics is the best. I convinced 10 other people to buy them too because I want to save their backs, necks, and improve their visual quality!
Dr. Lu, I checked out your instagram, and your loupes review was awesome! I hear what you are saying about IPD, when I got mine, my first thought was my IPD was a little off. (I am really sensitive to IPD as a VR nerd lol). After talking with Lumadent support, the rep was able to walk me through the process of bending the frames to dial in the field of view. I took me about 10-15 minutes of adjusting the frames and nosepads and finding the exact "sweet spot" where I need to position these on my face, but I do have clear FOV now. Not saying that was your case at all - just that I hear what you are saying about IPD.
@@BeyondDentistry wow no way! I got the oculus quest 2 so VR is amazingly fun. I knew I could bend my frame because I tried that with orascoptic, but I just couldn't get over the weak 4.3 magnification, it might've been worse than my surgitel 3.0. Is Lumadent allowing you to keep it or was it just for review?
I love my Quest 2! I have to set the IPD between the 2 and 3 positions (you can get the eyepieces to balance on the "in-between" settings if you are careful, and it makes a huge difference if you need it)! I have way too many games in my library! Lumadent is letting me keep the loupes. Originally when I reached out, I planned on reviewing them, then buying them if I liked them; but later Lumadent decided to let me keep the loupes which I am very grateful for. I marked the video as a "paid promotion" when I uploaded it, but I edited the video description to make that more clear. I think you are right, the magnification seems less than the description. I am trying to find a "micro eye chart" or something like that so that I can really subjectively assess the resolving power at working distance between Ergoprism 5, my DFV 4.5 EF and DFV 2.5 standard.
Loved that you reviewed these loupes becuase I am curious about them. I would love to hear if and how you can use a light with these loupes. Maybe even a wireless light. Thanks!
Thanks! I already had a lumadent light they fit these perfectly. I do plan on getting the wireless light sometime in the near future, may add that into the review for the second video!
so glad you are back posting man! I love the idea of these loupes! i'm about to buy the lumadent light, do you have any advice if i should go wireless or wired?
Thanks Giorgio. I have the wired light already and love it. I am probably going to buy a wireless light soon, just because I use multiple loupes throughout the day, and like the idea of the loupes/light being one thing I don't have to clip in to. The one thing I will say: If you get the wired light, get at least a few extra cables. They do wear out; I think I burned through a couple over the last few years. It's not a big deal, but if your cable fails, you are stuck without a light until you can order a new one.
I bought a pair a year ago and hate them. I keep needing to send them back 3 times already because they had multiple issues, even now that it's close to okay, it's still dark and much less clear around the edges of the field of view. You only really get a good bright image in the center area (if the occulars are even positioned correctly) Im glad other people have had a good experience with them, I wish I had a better time myself.
I just got the 4.3x and they actually came with adjustable working distance. I think it's a new thing they recently added because that was never advertised when I bought them two months ago.
@@BeyondDentistry Actually they messed up the convergence of the oculars so i'm getting them fixed haha. The demo unit i tried definitely takes some getting used to but i think long term benefits of good ergonomics make it definitely worth it.
@@footballbarcafan10 I like them, but they do have a learning curve, esp after using regular loupes for so long. I love how light they are and another benefit I did not immediately realize is that when you are upright, they are not "falling" away from your face, so you don't even need a strap. Hopefully they get them turned around quickly for you!
I use loups for the first few years after graduating and gave up on them. I found my posture was more comfortable without the loupes. As someone who owns a telescope and worked with microscopes, I had wondered why the loupe manufacturers haven't made one with a mirror so that the operator could look straight ahead. This is long overdue! Look forward to trying out these or a similar brand.
It’s amazing how different everybody’s posture is! When I don’t use loupes, I’m so hunched over it’s embarrassing. If you are used to working in a microscope, it may be worth the investment at some point for you, I know a lot of great dentists use microscopes. I looked into them, but they are pretty expensive, starting around 20 to 30 K on up.
This idea exists since more than 20 years. Pentax started this. 12 years ago, I had the Pentax tested by several German dentists and they all told me to keep away from this solution. Today, Pentax, Merident Optergo, Admetec and now Lumadent are oeffering a similar solution. The problem is that dentists move around and depending on the position, the posture can be great or really bad. The position of the dentist depends also in the part of the world you are. In the US, where dentists generally work at 12 and mostly indirect, this system can work. Else, where they prefer a direct view, it is going to be harder to accept. I had a Pentax loupe tested yesterday in Italy. A dentist and a hygienist tested it. The dentist said he couldn't work with it but the hygienist loved it. Different persons, different needs. This type of loupes is a great addition to the portfolio of loupes solutions available but it shouldn't replace the existing solutions. Only my opinion.
@@fabiansalaverry7857 This has been exactly my experience. When working from 12 o clock, these loupes are so good and comfortable. But I am used to working from the side for a lot of things. It also freaks my assistant out because it looks like I am staring right in their face lol.
I recently purchased these after watching your video, but decided to return them for a refund. Perhaps my scenario is an exception, but there were just too many quality control issues. 1) When I first received them, the horizontal and vertical position of the oculars was off, and they didn’t line up with my eyes properly. I attribute this to the fact that Lumadent doesn’t send out a rep to measure you, but rather relies on their kit and cell phone pics. This just seems like there’s way too much room for error, depending on how the phone is angled, etc... 2) The left ocular rotated at one of the elbow joints where it wasn’t supposed to rotate. I’m not referring to the actual focus knobs that do rotate. 3) The field of view where the 2 oculars converge was off to the right, so that my LED spotlight didn’t line up with the field of view. I sent back the loupes to have them corrected, and this process took about a month before I finally got them back. When I did finally receive them, the horizontal and vertical position of the oculars was fixed, and the left ocular was replaced, but the field of view was still off to the right. In addition, the glass lens now shifted in the frame like it wasn’t set securely. At this point, almost 3 months in from first ordering these loupes, I’ve given up and decided to return the loupes. Trying to communicate with customer service has also been frustrating. They create an email ticket for you, and the response time is so slow that trying to have a simple back and forth conversation can take days to weeks. Finally, to add salt to the wound, they will not pay for shipping if you decide to return the loupes. Again, maybe my experience was not the norm, but I thought it’s worth mentioning here as a warning for anyone looking to buy from Lumadent. I love their LED headlight and wireless AirLUX batteries, so I was quite disappointed that the quality control on these loupes was so poor.
Hey Leroy, I am really sorry to hear that. Honestly, I am surprised to hear about the quality control issues, but mine are the only Ergoprisms I have ever seen. I think you are definitely right about the value of having a rep come out to measure you, it just takes a certain amount of error out of the process. I was measured in person twice for my DFVs, and even then I had to send them back twice for working distance. But it did end up working out. Ugh, I am genuinely sorry to hear about your experience and the fact you had to go back and forth for so long trying to get them to work. I hope people read through all these comments so they can make an informed decision, and I really appreciate your taking the time to post here. I am thankful to hear about your good experience with the wireless light; I have been looking at that. Right now I still use their older generation wired light.
@@BeyondDentistry Thanks Doc. Another thing worth mentioning is that the 3.3x ergo prism oculars are supposed to be somewhat equivalent to 2.5x standard oculars’ field of vision (due to the mirrors), but the depth of field of the 3.3x oculars is MUCH more shallow than 2.5x. So not a QC issue, but something to consider when buying online without trying on. Regarding the AirLUX batteries, I love them, as they seem to relieve a lot of dragging weight from the battery in your pocket, and from the wire on your face. It doesn’t seem like it’d be a lot, but it makes a difference. However, the batteries only last about half a day before requiring a recharge, and I have had to replace them (luckily they were still under the 1 year warranty) because the male pin that inserts into the LED headlight wears down after repeatedly swapping the batteries out 2 times a day every day. As the male pin contact loosens over time, the battery will “wiggle” where it connects to the headlight and sometimes even flicker off and on if you move or jerk your head a certain way. They’re also obviously not as bright as a wired battery.
@@BeyondDentistry I got the 5x, couldn’t do the lower mags, just not enough for what I’m used to. To be honest, the learning curve is extremely quick, maybe 2-3 patients. People think it will be odd, but if you think about it- you’re still looking at your hands...., regardless of if your head is in a more upright position, so you will move as normal..one also has some muscle memory. I used them for everything- surgical exts, crowns, hygiene checks. I truly believe all loupe companies will be making deflection loupes and the previous styles will eventually fade out. It addresses the #1 downside of dentistry- ergonomic challenges, and the reason for medical issues and early retirement. We all know people who have no or very few issues for whatever reason and could do dentistry forever without much of a problem. However there are a lot of people who have daily pain to no end even with all the right diet, exercise, stretch, posture, trying all the declined loupes, you name it... My back, rotator cuff, and neck pain was gone in 2 days of use and am just very relaxed when working, never thought I’d see that...I think you’ll love them
Thanks! I haven't had any issues with fogging beyond what you would get with normal loupes. It seems like it's all about making sure your mask seal is good so when you exhale is doesn't come up from underneath your eyes.
A few more weeks before I'm a D3 so it is time I get myself some real loupes. Been using Amazon $40 loupes. Been a bit painful for my neck. The price is pretty steep but if it really saves my neck I got to pull the trigger. Thanks for the quality video.
Thanks Alessandro! I have seen the Pentax, it looks like a very similar roof prism/pentaprism setup. I think Lumadent is still the only one in the US that makes a deflection loupe - but I would be surprised if every other loupe manufacturer is not looking closely at these designs.
Yeah i find It strange that there are so few companies offering this design since Pentax produced them since 2008 and they're also not so well know in the dentist field ( maybe because they were marketed towards surgeons). A lot of dentists here in Italy use the Zeiss helmet but i don't like It very much. I'd like to try both system since lumadent are less expensive. Nice channel btw!
Alessandro, thanks so much! I had no idea the Pentax has been around since 2008. I learn so much from these great comments, seriously thank you for the info!
Great review! I got to demo these yesterday and am wondering was it hard to get use to the depth of field being 1 inch before things get blurry? That doesn’t seem long enough to switch from direct to indirect vision when even working on the same tooth. My surgitel 3.5x have something like 3-4 inch depth of field and idk if I’d ever adjust. The 4.3x have a 2 inch depth, but that’s not magnified enough for me. I might have to wait for someone to release a loupe that has an increased depth of field if you also run into this issue. I saw your comment on working from positions other than 12 o clock, and have heard from a friend that tilting your head sideways is difficult. Like you said you sometimes have to cheat like seeing the distal of some crown preps. His issue might be that small depth of field, not sure. When do you plan on releasing an updated video?
Hey Michael! I don’t notice any issues switching from direct to indirect vision, I think the depth of field is a little bit wider than an inch. The problem I’m running into more is that my ops are side delivery, and because of posture I have a habit of working with a patient a little bit higher, it is foreign to me to work with a patient low at 12 o’clock, even though the posture is so much better. Hope to get another video out in a couple weeks!
Hey yo. I got a pair too of Lumadent Ergoprism 4.3x. I agree the build quality is Ferrari-esque The fit was problematic for my small nose bridge, however and I had to pinch the nosepads for then to fit right but that created that same red sure that you have in this video! Also the peripheral field of view is virtually non-existent. I'm trading them in for the newer design that has the adjustable working length feature because the working length was also too much of a stretch for my arms. I have a demo set of the hero loupes and I find the frame more comfortable. Ironically I find the lighter weight and metal material of the Ergoprism to be uncomfortable and make the Loupes feel front heavy. The hero loupes are a nice matte plastic that isn't cold to touch and balances the weight distribution nicely. Build quality of the actual Loupes isn't up to Ergoprism level tho. It's a tough choice both have features that are better than the other! No matter what I am keeping my traditional Loupes handy so that I can switch it up as needed because the learning curve angle is steep, especially if you're using a mirror for indirect vision on top of the deflection! Keep posting :)
Rick that's awesome, thank you for the feedback! I am with you, I find myself "switching it up". With the ergoprism, anteriors are much easier then lower posteriors at least for me. Have you tried any "chums" or a strap for the ergoprism? It might help with the front heavy feel. I like the light weight, but I do get what you are saying. Seriously, thanks for taking the time to post feedback!
I already had Lumadent’s prolux with my dfv loupes, so it was the same mount as the ergoprism. In fact, when I want to change loupes, it takes 2 seconds to swap the light over. I’m planning to buy the wireless light pretty soon. The angle is not an issue at all, the light just pivots. IMO, lumadent has the best light on the market which I was already using with my DFVs. If you get a wired light, get some extra cables because they wear out though.
The Infiniti are SUPER light for sure. I probably would have chosen them, but they were a little small for my face. I am used to my heavy DFV frames, so everything seems a little too fragile to me right now lol.
Someone else asked about Andau Loupes, but for some reason the comment is gone. As far as I know, they are similar to Ergoprism. have never seen them in person, but I do know the fit process is similar (all done remotely with photos). As far as price, I don't really know since nothing is published on the site. I wish I had more information on those for everyone that asked.
The Ergo loupes by Admetec from Andau Medical are only similar to the ErgoPrism in the way that the ocular is bent at a 60 degree angle in order to provide an ergonomic, neutral working position. That is where the similarities end. Andau provides an ergonomic loupes solution that has magnification options 3.0x-7.5x (Lumadent only goes to 5.0x). Andau's loupes provide a much larger field of view and their depth of field is considerably greater (therefore no need for an adjustable ocular for working distance - which people have experienced loosening over time - also who has time to adjust both sides to work in unison??) Andau Medical has Reps all over the US and Canada so you get great local customer service in helping you demo, measure, and most importantly provide post-delivery support! So, check out the Ergo loupes with Andau Medical...they're lower in cost, large range of magnifications 3.0x to 7.5x, short lead time, high-quality with incredible optics, large field of view and depth of field, provide incredible ergonomics, local Reps providing in-person support, 90-Day Trial. Go to their website (AndauMedical dot com) and in their contact section you can be connected to your local rep.
@@BeyondDentistry Full transparency, yes I'm a Rep with Andau (Vancouver, Canada). I am just really proud of this product! I love to engage in these types of conversations and educate people on their options.
Hi Toni! Unfortunately, I have never tried the Pentax. The Pentax I have seen are adjustable, which is kind of cool, and they are flip up loupes which some people prefer. I am also not sure on price. Wish I knew more about them!
Good video Dr. Can you share your experiences of using Ergo Prism loupes ? What are the good points of this loupes while doing crown preparation? Would you find it difficult while doing preparation on the palatal side of the upper 2nd molar ?
Hi MengHong Ly! I did a second video on these loupes about a year ago, and I think that summary is pretty accurate. You have to get a lot better at indirect vision (make sure you have a lot of light, and good clean mirrors). Upper second molars are hard with any loupes, but if you are good with a mirror, the Ergoprisms work well. Rubber Dam helps a lot too - not just with isolation but also being able to see better.
Hello, I’d love the link for your review after using these loupes for a while. Would you recommend them as first loupes while in dental school? Do you find it hard to readjust to looking into the mouth after looking away to grab an instrument? Thanks!!
I’m actually just finishing up the second part of the review and should have it out by this weekend. You are right though, it is a little bit harder with the ergoprism to go back-and-forth between magnified view and looking away to grab instruments because of the angle, and because the telescope is right in the middle of the frame. You can do it, it is just a little bit tougher to do with these loupes.
Hi Dara, Here is just my opinion: If you are able to try out a deflection loupe like the Ergoprism and you like the idea of having good posture, then try to get in touch with a sales rep who will let you try it out. BUT - if this is your first loupe, I might consider getting a regular through-the-lens or flip-up loupe in a 3.5x magnification. Just being completely honest. As far as which company to go with - have not heard anything bad about orascoptic, but I have never had an orascoptic product. I know they are pricey, but a lot of my colleagues like them. I personally really like Lumadent (they have standard loupes at really competitive prices), Designs for Vision, and I have heard good things about Q Optics. So to answer your question, unless you have back pain already and you are able to try out a deflection loupe before you buy, I would probably go with a conventional loupe now, then a deflection loupe later. I love having both.
I received my ergoline 6.0mag yesterday and the 1st thing I noticed was the magnification was way weaker than my Prismatic 5.5. I`m checking if I can get over the weak magnification, though ergonomically its brilliant.
I noticed after working in mine for a little bit, the magnification seems better than it did at first. It is definitely something to get used to, and I think using a light is a must. Good luck!!
Is your straight ahead view completely obscured when wearing these? I’m a student and currently have Surgitel loupes and was considered getting a second pair while I’m still a student and have a discount. I hate constantly taking my loupes off and on and I’m curious if you notice that being an annoyance at all with these!
I actually know exactly what you’re saying: your “straight ahead“ view is slightly more obstructed than it is with conventional loupes. With conventional loupes, the telescopes are at the bottom of the lens, so your eyes can look straight ahead and down, kind of like a bifocal. With ergoprisms, the telescopes are kind of right in the middle. Its much more comfortable when you are working, but you are right it’s right in the middle. It’s not impossible and it still works, but it doesn’t feel as natural to go back and forth between magnified vision and regular vision.
Looking at Lumadent's website, it does look like the FOV decreases as you go up in magnification. Somebody mentioned it in another comment, but the listed magnification "feels" smaller - if you are used to a 3.5, you would probably want a 4.3 or even (in my opinion, not Lumadent's) a 5.
@@BeyondDentistry Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I love your videos. I am a second year dental student and have not used loupes yet, but already feeling some discomfort in my neck. I want to make the right choice in selecting loupes for clinic next year. :)
Cool to see these reviewed. I think deflection loupes are the future. Flip ups could be cool because your straight on vision is more obscured with these. I tried my friends 4.3x pair on (3+ month delivery + sent back for adjustment) and honestly I thought they were more like a 2.5.. my 3.5x Orascoptic’s are way more zoomed in. If they come out with different frames and increased mag I’ll probably get these eventually for the ergonomics.
Hey William! I totally agree. If they come out with a 6 or 8x adjustable flip up with a wide FOV, I'm buying it sight unseen. That would be such an amazing step between a scope and loupes. What you said about the magnification is really important. Everyone who puts these on immediately feels like the mag is smaller than indicated. I believe Lumadent that the magnification spec is correct (mag should be a mathematical function of focal length etc.), but some combination of posture, eye position, field of view, etc. makes it seem smaller. My 5.0s "feel" to me like a 4.0. But these loupes are the real deal for sure. I can't wait to see what they do in the future.
what do you mean "straight on vision is more obscured with these" supposedly straight on view is better then strained eye gaze turn down because you can use your higher neural density macula with straight on... do you speak out of your own subjective experience or from a fact that I don't know off? If this is a fact then this prism design is absurd, who wants to have an "obscured" i.e less sharp less good vision in exchange of not straining neck?
@@marceloovg1873 I could have worded it better but I was referring to looking through the frame lens themselves (like when you're talking to someone or don't need a magnified view) and how the loupe design interferes with that use more then traditional loupes.
I heard they are coming out with an app to make the process really simple, which would be great. For me, I just had to hold a tape measure along my line of sight and have someone take my picture from the side - you take a couple of specific pictures like that (Lumadent tells you exactly what pics to take). It was actually pretty easy. If you have a rep nearby that would probably be a little bit better, but taking the working distance yourself does work.
we are working with a face shield in pandemic time. Does the ergoprism loupes works well with like a usual Medicom face shield? I would be frustrated if I will be looking at the edge of the face shield using the loupes
I use mine with a face shield, no problem at all. They actually take up less space than my other loupes. I had the some concern you did, I did not want to see the "edge" of the face shield, but it has not been an issue at all.
There is definitely a learning curve, at least for me. Upper anteriors are very easy, but lower posterior teeth I find to be the hardest. I am still learning how much I was crouching down to see sometimes! I am also learning to rely on my assistants more - I am used to grabbing my own instruments and I find this a lot harder to do with the ergoprism just because I am used to conventional loupes. But I will say my back and neck feel a ton better when I work in the Ergoprism. In short, I still feel a little more "at home" in my old loupes, but the posture difference is night and day. Also, I still stand by what I said about the quality in the video, these things are really well built.
@@BeyondDentistry so I've had these loupes a few days. Gotten used to the posture difference and it's a big improvement but there does seem to be a difference with my depth perception. I don't know if that's the tradeoff or an imperfection with this brand. Also the teeth just seem irregular. Those cons along with losing some magnification makes it hard for me to switch. Don't know if my body feeling better makes up for probably doing lesser quality dentistry.
As far as I know, there is no danger in using magnification long term. But I think if you start to feel eyestrain, I would definitely ask an eye doctor. I have heard that having a bunch of bright light in your eye all day can be fatiguing, but personally I haven’t experienced any issues.