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As a nurse, one of the most essential tools you can have on hand is a reliable medical penlight. Whether you’re checking a patient’s pupils or assessing a wound, a high-quality penlight can make all the difference in providing accurate and efficient care. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which penlight is right for you? And how can you avoid the frustration of dealing with a cheap, unreliable tool that fails when you need it most?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of medical penlights and explore the top options available to nurses today.
WITH PUPIL GAUGE:
CAVN Pen Light with Pupil Gauge LED Penlight
Durability and reasonable pricing don’t always come hand in hand, but this CAVN Pen Light with Pupil Gauge proves that you can score a great quality product without compromising your budget. This particular item is made from aluminum alloy with a 5 centimeter ruler chart, pupil gauge, and a metal clip, which makes it portable. All these features make it much easier for those in the medical field to measure the pupil dilation.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with batteries
- Can be very bright for eye examination
RISEMART Nurse Led Medical Penlight with Pupil Gauge
The sophisticated design of RISEMART Penlight, as well as its sleek appearance, makes it easy on the eyes. It has a concave head so that the bulb doesn’t break easily when you drop it. Since penlights are used frequently, this design from RISEMART offers two light options that are ideal for using on different physical assessments.
Pros:
- Soft rubber switch
- Lower wattage
Cons:
- Clip may break easily
ZOOMABLE:
Infray Small LED Flashlight
The infray small LED flashlight is like a pocket-sized torch because of its super high lumens. Delivering three modes for extra versatility, it’s a great choice for inspection, work, repair and even emergency. Despite its small and compact size, the infray LED flashlight boasts a military grade design and an excellent focus system.
Pros:
- Compact, perfect for bringing it anywhere with you
- Super bright
Cons:
- Not for heavy duty use
NO GLARE:
Weltool M6-Dr Diagnostic Medical Penlight
Because the Weltool Medical Penlight is designed with healthcare professionals in mind, accuracy and durability are just some of its features. The true color rendering helps medical professionals conduct exams efficiently and avoid misdiagnosis, which can sometimes happen due to glaring light distorting tones of skin and tissue. Even more convenient, the soft, even light will not disrupt the doctor’s nor the patient’s vision.
Pros:
- Distributes light evenly
- Moderate brightness
Cons:
- Beam is a bit wide
RECHARGEABLE:
Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight Battery-Powered Handheld Pen Light
Expect this pocket friendly Hatori penlight to be gleaming in a dark or lit room. Even for its size, you can still rest assured that it’s durable because of its skid-proof water resistant design. You can use it for up to two hours as long as you use it moderately. Ideal for multiple use whether medical, mechanical or technical.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Switch may malfunction
Streamlight 66134 Stylus Pro USB 350-Lumen Rechargeable LED Pen Light
The Streamlight penlight is fit for all types of usage. It is stylish, USB rechargeable, and lithium ion battery operated. This also comes with high and low mode, pocket clip and tail cap switch, which is useful for temporary use or continuous operation. Despite its compact size, it provides a decent brightness feature and can last for a significant amount of time. Its aluminum housing comes with Type II Military Spec anodizing, guaranteeing its durability.
Pros:
- Wear resistant
- Abrasion resistant
Cons:
- No AC adapter included
COAST® A9R 54 Lumen Rechargeable Inspection Beam LED Penlight
This may be the preferred penlight for those who need it to do mechanical and technical activities everyday. The COAST penlight design is sleek and its rechargeable feature also makes it convenient to use. It even has an Inspection Beam that allows the penlight to emit a circular beam without any dark patches. Such a feature actually helps in making up-close examinations easier.
Pros:
- Comes in complete set
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Some may find its button weak
URHEALTH Rechargeable Pen Light
If you’re looking for a penlight that has a lot to offer, then the URHEALTH penlight is worth considering. While this is specifically designed for an eye assessment, you can also use it for other purposes. It offers two light sources, one for eye checking with its warm tone, and white light for inspection purposes.
Pros:
- Push switch
- Dual light source
Cons:
- Beam is not wide enough
OTHERS:
GearLight S100 LED Pocket Pen Light
The GearLight pocket-sized penlight has an all metal design and an adequate brightness and diffused beam that effectively illuminates certain areas. Because this is a military grade product, it can withstand accidental drops and temporary water submersions. It’s also very handy, especially when you need to light up some tight areas. With the clip being removable, it’s so much easier to attach it on belts, caps or pockets.
Pros:
- Built for heavy duty use
- Easy to bring and carry
Cons:
- Batteries rattle inside
Conclusion
From the durable and reliable options to the versatile and lightweight ones, there’s a penlight for every nurse’s needs. By investing in a quality medical penlight, you can eliminate the frustration and uncertainty of dealing with ineffective tools and provide better care to their patients.
