Top 10 Questions and Answers About LED Headlights

Question #1

What light optic should I choose? The High Intensity Mini optic or Wide Beam Micro optic?

Answer: If you require a brighter light, the Mini optic is the optimal choice. However, if you prioritize a light that covers your field of view, the Micro optic would be the preferred option. It’s important to consider your magnification level as well. For magnifications of 5.5x and higher, it’s recommended to opt for the Mini optic to ensure full coverage of your field of view. It should also be noted that for those in the surgical field that the Mini optic is ideal since tissue absorbs the light. Regardless of your choice, most SurgiTel LED lights come with a brightness control, allowing you to adjust the intensity of the light to your preference. This ensures flexibility and customization according to your specific requirements.

Question #2

What color temperature light is best for my practice?

Answer: When it comes to dental clinicians, a neutral or warm light is best for the low blue light emissions. If you are unaware of the blue light hazard and the long-term damage it may have on your eyes, please read Dr. Richard Price’s recently published study The Potential ‘Blue Light Hazard’ from LED Headlamps. The abstract may be accessed here.

Contrary to dental, where blue light can be harmful, blue light is helpful for surgical procedures. Cool LED lights will enhance the image of veins and nerves. Because red tissues absorb most of the blue light, surgeons face less of a blue light hazard. SurgiTel recently released two new Surgical LED headlights, click here to learn more about them. Contrast enhancement filters are offered to further optimize the visualization of critical elements. By employing these filters, medical professionals can achieve a clearer and more detailed view of veins beneath the skin’s surface (Figure 1).

Question #3

Why is low blue light so important for dentistry?

Answer: Exposure to blue light can have both short- and long-term effects¹ on health and well-being, such as disruption of sleep, eyestrain (which can also present as headaches, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain) dry eyes and fatigue. On the other end of the spectrum are more troubling effects such as retina damage in the form of phototoxicity, apoptosis (cell death), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and a heightened risk of certain cancers² (Figure 2 and Figure 3).

Question #4

How can I evaluate my current LED light to measure the coolness?

Answer: It is very difficult to estimate the degree of coolness of the LED beam you are using. The best way is to compare the beam of your current LED headlight with a true color neutral LED headlight which have a balanced color spectrum and are safest to the eyes (Figure 4). The SurgiTel true color neutral LED light can be used as the reference light.

Question #5

What should the requirements be for dental illumination?

Answer: In dental illumination, LED headlights should fulfill two fundamental criteria. Firstly, they should accurately portray the colors of objects, including teeth and tissues, to facilitate precise diagnosis and treatment. Secondly, they should effectively mitigate the risk of blue light hazard to ensure the safety and well-being of both clinicians and patients.

Question #6

What should the requirements be for medical illumination?

Answer: Contrary to dental, where blue light can be harmful, blue light is helpful for surgical procedures. Cool LED lights will enhance the image of veins and nerves. Because red tissues absorb most of the blue light, surgeons face less of a blue light hazard.

• Long-Lasting Battery: A long-lasting battery is very important for long surgeries or procedures. You should not have to worry about the battery of your light running out. This is why our new Surgical Mini LED and Surgical Headband LED 2.0 have a battery life of up to 12 hours.
• Lightweight: The ideal surgical LED headlight should be lightweight so as to not cause pain or add any unnecessary additional weight. Our Surgical Mini LED is lightweight at only 14.6 grams and does not sacrifice brightness. The Surgical Mini LED light is 100,000 Lux with a Kelvin temperature of 5,700 to help enhance anatomical features.

Question #7

What sets SurgiTel LED headlights apart?

Answer: SurgiTel LED headlights stand out for several reasons. Firstly, while competitors may attempt to replicate our circular beam pattern, only SurgiTel’s beams offer true color accuracy. This distinction becomes apparent when comparing the clarity of others’ beams against SurgiTel’s True Color beam.

Moreover, SurgiTel provides a diverse range of LED headlights, including wireless options and models with touch-free switching capabilities. This extensive selection ensures that clinicians can choose the precise lighting solution that best suits their specific needs and preferences.

Question #8

What makes the Surgical Mini/Micro LED headlight beneficial for both dental and medical professionals?

Answer: The Surgical Mini and Micro LED headlight offers a multitude of benefits for both dental and medical professionals (Figure 5). Firstly, it provides a brighter light output coupled with a longer lasting battery life, catering to the needs of clinicians who require sustained illumination during procedures.

Additionally, the headlight is available in both cool and neutral color temperatures, providing dental clinicians with an eye-safe and versatile lighting option. The cool color temperature is particularly advantageous for medical procedures, offering enhanced visibility of tissues and veins.

Question #9

How does SurgiTel help keep the maintenance costs down for the LED batteries?

Answer: SurgiTel ensures low maintenance costs for batteries by offering replaceable battery cells (Figure 6). Instead of having to purchase a new battery unit, users can simply replace the individual cells, reducing the overall maintenance expenses. While we provide this cost-effective option, we strongly recommend using our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to maintain quality and ensure optimal performance. It’s important to note that aftermarket products may not meet our quality standards and could potentially damage the light unit, so we advise against their use to safeguard the longevity and reliability of your equipment.

Question #10

How does SurgiTel help eliminate potential cross contamination with LED lights?

Answer: SurgiTel addressed the concern of potential cross-contamination with LED lights by creating the Eclipse CS LED (Figure 7). This revolutionary light utilizes an advanced capacitive proximity sensor, enabling touch-free operation. With a simple wave of the hand from any direction, clinicians can activate or deactivate the light without needing to physically touch the LED unit or controls. This hands-free operation significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination by eliminating the need for direct contact with the light source during clinical procedures. As a result, clinicians can maintain focus on their work without interruption, ensuring a sterile and hygienic environment for both themselves and their patients.

Interested in trying one of SurgiTel’s LED lights or want to learn more? Schedule an appointment with your local representative or distributor today!