Monocular Microscopes

Some microscopes have one eyepiece and some have two. Those with only one are known as monocular microscopes. You would think that binocular microscopes, as those with two eyepieces are called, would always be the best. Now while this is generally true, it isn't always so. In addition, in many educational environments, monocular microscopes can be easier by far for students to master. There are circumstances in which monocular microscopes are actually the best for the job.

One of these times is when a person has some kind of vision defect that will negate the advantages of having two eye pieces. In this case, when there is only one good eye, monocular microscopes can actually give a better image. Monocular microscopes can also be easier to use for people who use eyeglasses.

How to Use Monocular Microscopes

You'd imagine that looking through the eyepiece of monocular microscopes, it would be better to close the eye you're not using, but this apparently is not so. The correct way to use monocular microscopes is, in fact to keep your other eye open. This way you are less likely to suffer from eye strain. It may be a bit difficult to master this, but is seems it's the best way.

There are monocular microscopes that are ideal for school, university and professional use. They can be found with all the extras that you'd find with binocular microscopes, such as camera-splicing abilities and electrical light sources. They can also be found in a wide variety of different bright field configurations. Desirable features on a monocular microscope are high quality optics, good powers of illumination and robust materials with adjustable parts that move easily.