Comparison of optical performance among three dental operating microscopes: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION: Two important aspects of the dental operating microscope (DOM) that factor into its overall effectiveness are resolution and depth of field. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the resolution and depth of field of DOMs from three well-known manufacturers using standardized test targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A resolution test, using the 1951 USAF Hi-Resolution Target (Edmund Optics, Barrington, NJ), and a depth of field test, using the Depth of Field Target 5-15 (Edmund Optics, Barrington, NJ), were performed by two calibrated observers. Three DOM systems such as Seiler IQ (Seiler Instrument Inc., St. Louis, USA), Global G-Series 6 step (Global Surgical Corp., St. Louis, USA), and Zeiss Extaro 300 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Oberkochen, Germany) were used to compare the resolution and depth of field. RESULTS: The Zeiss Extaro 300 showed the highest maximum resolution and maximum DOF (64 lp/mm and 17mm, respectively). The Seiler IQ showed the lowest maximum resolution and maximum DOF (35.9 lp/mm and 11 mm, respectively). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the Zeiss Extaro 300 was superior in terms of resolution and depth of field as compared to the other two DOMs.