penlight

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donkeyboy

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what kind do you guys have? the bookstore sells the cheap disposable kinds that will break in a couple months. i saw some online that have LED bulbs just wondering if that might be too bright for the direct and indirect pupillary light response? yeah a penlight who cares right?
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donkeyboy said:
what kind do you guys have? the bookstore sells the cheap disposable kinds that will break in a couple months. i saw some online that have LED bulbs just wondering if that might be too bright for the direct and indirect pupillary light response? yeah a penlight who cares right?
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you should be able to get some free ones from somewhere. I got like 5 free ones when I walked by a table at my school where people were giving out info about some state medical something or other... this lady just gave me a handful of them and they seem to do the trick. ask your classmates if they have an extra one. I don't think our skills are honed enough for the light to really matter; it will serve the basic purposes.
 
Unless it's bright enough to burn retinas, no light is too bright. Those little pen-light ones where the clip turns them on and off are garbage and will die in a couple weeks. Go to the hardware store and get a mini-Mag Lite. It'll be the last pen-light you ever need to buy. Those key-chain LEDs are very bright, but harder to replace batteries. Also easier to lose.

You can trust me on this one. As a neurologist, I've gone through dozens of iterations of these things.
 
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I have a small bright light that I purchased from Microcenter (computer store) for less than $2. It is very bright, smaller than those that clip onto your pocket and stays on my keychain for use in other places.

0274488_299883.jpg



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These were so cheap that I bought several of them to keep in my office, locker, car etc. The last forever and are extremely bright.

You can order these on line if there is no Microcenter store nearby. Microcenter
 
I've got a handful of cheap disposable ones I've been given, and a cool little LED penlight with an on/off switch that I bought for ~$10 from the school store.

ETA: The blue one:
9780000003515.jpg
 
typhoonegator said:
Unless it's bright enough to burn retinas, no light is too bright. Those little pen-light ones where the clip turns them on and off are garbage and will die in a couple weeks. Go to the hardware store and get a mini-Mag Lite. It'll be the last pen-light you ever need to buy. Those key-chain LEDs are very bright, but harder to replace batteries. Also easier to lose.

You can trust me on this one. As a neurologist, I've gone through dozens of iterations of these things.
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I can vouch for the quality of mini mags, as I have carried mine everyday without fail for a couple years now (albeit not for eye exams or anything of that matter). Although I thought it might be too bright for this kind of thing? What about with a 3 led conversion put in?
 
Years ago I bought a Welch Allyn penlight because it was "medical" and that's what you do as a med student. I don't remember what I paid for it, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't much less than what allheart will quote you.

Now, on the bright side it's survived well over a decade of being carried in my coat and the coat clip is still tight enough to keep the light from sliding around or falling out. It's not as heavy as a mini-mag and less bulky as well, both of which have become quite attractive points. I get a slight bit of halogen flicker when I turn the light on but nothing bothersome enough to consider replacing the light.

If I had to buy a new light I might get the same one or find an LED Light that used two AAA batteries. I'd likely stay away from anything that used something other than AA/AAA despite what anyone in the candlepowerforums will try to sell you. You can ALWAYS find spare AA/AAA batteries in the hospital. Good luck finding some 123A batteries for your Surefire 6PL.
 
Bobblehead said:
If I had to buy a new light I might get the same one or find an LED Light that used two AAA batteries. I'd likely stay away from anything that used something other than AA/AAA despite what anyone in the candlepowerforums will try to sell you. You can ALWAYS find spare AA/AAA batteries in the hospital. Good luck finding some 123A batteries for your Surefire 6PL.
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Just some food for thought along these lines, I work as a nurse's aid in a 400 bed hospital, and on our unit, we don't have AAA. We only have AA, C (our pulse-oximeters and syringe pumps use them) and D (I don't know why). AAA's can be had, but we have to go to another unit's scan room to get them. This isn't something that I had thought of before, but AA availability would be a good point to consider.
 
typhoonegator said:
Unless it's bright enough to burn retinas, no light is too bright. Those little pen-light ones where the clip turns them on and off are garbage and will die in a couple weeks. Go to the hardware store and get a mini-Mag Lite. It'll be the last pen-light you ever need to buy. Those key-chain LEDs are very bright, but harder to replace batteries. Also easier to lose.

You can trust me on this one. As a neurologist, I've gone through dozens of iterations of these things.
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thanks for all the responses, actually i went ahead and bought the streamlight stylus pro on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-6...ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1263944879&sr=8-3

it's and LED with 2 AAA batteries, it has a pretty concentrated beam. I actually think it's too bright, if someone accidentally looks directly into the light, as I did when testing it out, it will be painful. But then again, people never actually look straight into the light, it's always at an angle so I guess it's okay. It's small, light, and sturdy.
 
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The best penlight is the one that you got for free that your resident/attending hasn't taken yet. I wish God had made my ring finger a pen and my middle finger a penlight.
 
2000-4o100.jpg


• Cree XR-E (R2) LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours
• Three output types: 28 Lumens (3.5hrs) -> 9 Lumens (11 hrs) -> 85 Lumens (1 hr)
• Uses one 1.5V AAA (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium) battery, inexpensive and widely available
• Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
• Durable Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
• Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Reliable twist switch
• Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
• Included accessories: Pocket clip, key ring, and a spare O-ring

Dimension: 2.95 in(L) x 0.55 in(D) or 75 mm(L) x 14 mm(D)
Weight: 0.52 oz or 14.8 g (excluding batteries)
 
tkim said:
2000-4o100.jpg


• Cree XR-E (R2) LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours
• Three output types: 28 Lumens (3.5hrs) -> 9 Lumens (11 hrs) -> 85 Lumens (1 hr)
• Uses one 1.5V AAA (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium) battery, inexpensive and widely available
• Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
• Durable Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
• Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Reliable twist switch
• Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
• Included accessories: Pocket clip, key ring, and a spare O-ring
• Cures cancer
• Cooks Hot Pockets all the way through
• Cuddles with you when you need it most
• Buys tickets to all your favorite events without expecting anything in return
• Toothpick in the handle

Dimension: 2.95 in(L) x 0.55 in(D) or 75 mm(L) x 14 mm(D)
Weight: 0.52 oz or 14.8 g (excluding batteries)
Click to expand...

I hope you don't mind. I added a few features you left off.
 
I have to admit, it does look pretty awesome. I just bought a LED flashlight for normal usage and that thing is only slightly dimmer than the sun.
 
tkim said:
2000-4o100.jpg


• Cree XR-E (R2) LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours
• Three output types: 28 Lumens (3.5hrs) -> 9 Lumens (11 hrs) -> 85 Lumens (1 hr)
• Uses one 1.5V AAA (Alkaline, Ni-MH, Lithium) battery, inexpensive and widely available
• Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
• Durable Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
• Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard
• Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Reliable twist switch
• Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
•Included accessories: Pocket clip, key ring, and a spare O-ring

Dimension: 2.95 in(L) x 0.55 in(D) or 75 mm(L) x 14 mm(D)
Weight: 0.52 oz or 14.8 g (excluding batteries)
Click to expand...

Well THAT'S a relief, because after the Challenger blew up in the sky I could never trust a single O-ring again. :laugh:
 
tkim said:
Dude I have this one. It's awesome. Low light for pupil exam, high for when you need really bright light. High lumens for such a small package.
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Is there a model with a click switch? I've used a AAA-size maglight for my eye exams, and it works ok. But anytime someone (read: chief resident) borrows it they look at like it's some Chinese finger puzzle riddle to operate and ask for someone else's.
 
Does it have a spare o-ring?
 
MossPoh said:
Does it have a spare o-ring?
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At $47 it should:

Features of Fenix LD05:

* Cree XP-E R2 LED with lifespan of 50,000 hours
* Three output modes: 32 Lumens (5hrs) -> 4 Lumens (23hrs) -> 100 Lumens (1.5hrs)
* Uses two 1.5V AAA batteries (not included)
* 149.5mm (L) x 14mm (D)
* 44.5-gram weight (excluding batteries)
* Made of durable T6 aircraft-grade aluminum
* Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with AR coating
* Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
* Waterproof to IPX-8 Standards
* Capable of standing up securely on a flat surface to serve as a candle
* Push-button tail cap switch
* Includes two spare o-rings
 
I just picked this one up: 4Sevens Preon 2

3 different output levels that are easy to change between. The bright is VERY BRIGHT (160 Lumens), like looking into a laparoscope! If you're looking for a quality penlight, forget the WA and check this one out!
 
ResqTechNJ said:
I just picked this one up: 4Sevens Preon 2

3 different output levels that are easy to change between. The bright is VERY BRIGHT (160 Lumens), like looking into a laparoscope! If you're looking for a quality penlight, forget the WA and check this one out!
Click to expand...
This is actually what I got. I'm very happy with it, and it works great.
 
ResqTechNJ said:
I just picked this one up: 4Sevens Preon 2

3 different output levels that are easy to change between. The bright is VERY BRIGHT (160 Lumens), like looking into a laparoscope! If you're looking for a quality penlight, forget the WA and check this one out!
Click to expand...

RxnMan said:
This is actually what I got. I'm very happy with it, and it works great.
Click to expand...


Maybe it's because I'm not on the wards, but what would one really need a $45 penlight for? Do you really need the strobe effect? Is that for attempting to induce seizures - House style?

What uses are there for each output mode that makes this necessary?
 
xanthomondo said:
Maybe it's because I'm not on the wards, but what would one really need a $45 penlight for? Do you really need the strobe effect? Is that for attempting to induce seizures - House style?

What uses are there for each output mode that makes this necessary?
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If a light is too bright, it makes the pupil exam difficult because it is painful. If its too dim, it's tough to see the back of the throat well. It's a convenience issue.

Plus the cheap penlights always go on the kabitz at the exact moment you need one. Trust me on that one, its happened to me more than once.
 
xanthomondo said:
Maybe it's because I'm not on the wards, but what would one really need a $45 penlight for? Do you really need the strobe effect? Is that for attempting to induce seizures - House style?

What uses are there for each output mode that makes this necessary?
Click to expand...
I had a Maglight that was a twist-on. Light, uses a common battery size (AA), but too small and easy to lose, too dim, and hard to use. It didn't do the job. My Preon fits all of what I wanted in a new light: small, light, common battery size (AAAx2), watertight and easy to clean, inconspicuous (kids think it's literally a pen), has a clip, easy to use (tail click switch), and it is as bright as I need it (if there is one to be found, this will find a pupillary response in any ambient lighting situation). Beyond getting a better tool, it's a long-term investment in something I hope will last throughout residency.

You have to click through the three regular settings (low, med, high) twice within a 3 second time-span before the alternate stuff switches in. It's hard to do unless you're trying.
 
ResqTechNJ said:
I just picked this one up: 4Sevens Preon 2

3 different output levels that are easy to change between. The bright is VERY BRIGHT (160 Lumens), like looking into a laparoscope! If you're looking for a quality penlight, forget the WA and check this one out!
Click to expand...

Just found out that site's offering 5% off those penlights with coupon code "4sevens5". Takes a little off the $45 price tag...
 
I had no idea there were such strong opinions on penlights. But seriously $45 for a penlight is way too much. Get a good one for $10-15 and you should be set. You're going to be crushed when you lose that $45 penlight or when your chief asks to borrow it and doesn't get it back and goes off service the next day.
 
tkim said:
2000-4o100.jpg
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Jesus 85 lumens is a bit much isn't it? I have a 50 lumen that can be used "to temporarily blind attackers"

EDIT: ah, its dimmable. Still, i would hate to have it on the wrong setting when you use it -.-
 
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