Evaluating the Influence of Dental Loupes on Eye Fatigue, Vision Quality, and Posture Among Dental Clinicians in Saudi Arabia

Dental loupes are categorized into three types based on their magnification mechanism: basic loupes, Galilean loupes, and Keplerian loupes.Despite the long-standing advocacy for magnification in dental practice, its routine application has IntroductIonDental practitioners often tilt and rotate their head, neck, and torso while performing procedures to gain a better view of the operative field and maintain proximity to the patient's mouth.1,2 However, this practice can lead to muscle imbalance, resulting in muscle weakening, ischemia, and an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to prolonged non-neutral postures. [3]3][4][5][6] Thus, enhancing surgeons' visual acuity is crucial not only for procedural accuracy but also for their occupational well-being. 1 Studies suggest that the use of magnification tools can help reduce the risks associated with poor posture.[7][8][9] Magnification improves visualization of oral structures, 10,11 optimizes neck and back positioning, 12 and mitigates MSDs among dental professionals.13,14 Additionally, magnification devices restrict excessive neck extension by requiring practitioners to maintain a fixed focal range.15 Various professions, including dentistry, have widely adopted magnification equipment.16 Among these, dental loupes are commonly used, offering magnification up to 5.0×.They provide high precision, making them suitable for delicate procedures such as root canals and crown preparations.However, their limited field of view can pose challenges when working on multiple teeth simultaneously.