Head mirror

Common card · No. 305278

A head mirror is a simple diagnostic device, stereotypically worn by physicians, but less so in recent decades as they have become largely obsolete. A head mirror is mostly used for examination of the ear, nose and throat (ENT). It comprises a circular concave mirror, with a small hole in the middle, and is attached to a headband. The mirror is worn over the physician's eye of choice, with the concave mirror surface facing outwards and the hole directly over the physician's eye, providing illumination like a ring light. In use, the patient sits and faces the physician. A bright lamp is positioned adjacent to the patient's head, pointing toward the physician's face and hence towards the head mirror. The light from the lamp reflects off the mirror, along the line of sight of the user, with the light being somewhat concentrated by the curvature of the mirror. When used properly, the head mirror thus provides excellent shadow-free illumination. Because they were once in common use, notably...

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