iBex 5-Step LED Slit Lamp

A chunky slit lamp that lends a bright (white) illumination for not a lot of money.

Overview

iBex first introduced their LED slit lamps in 2006– an Indian manufactured instrument that, based on its specifications, hit the market well below average cost and is still sold/serviced today by Trevi Technology, a small outfit in Columbus, Ohio. Anytime we see a foreign device produced by a relatively unknown manufacturer we approach with some hesitancy; most Chinese devices are resemblant to garbage and domestic relabeled devices can have service/support concerns in the US. iBex although does have a strong presence in the United States, and from what we can tell is well supported and sold throughout the world– but what is it like to use? The first thing you’ll notice on either iBex (the 2-step or the 5-step) is the massiveness of the microscope and power table. It’s not that the iBex is crude, but it is bulky and immense in every way. Once you install an iBex onto an instrument stand and step some feet away you’ll immediately notice the substantial presence the microscope commands- starting from the illumination source (it’s thick), down to the oculars (they’re bulky), down to the frame (it’s girthy), and then finally to the power supply table which is made to seem even more massive thanks to a two-tone white/black color combination decision. The size of the microscope doesn’t exactly increase the footprint of your slit lamp (on the instrument stand), and thus you probably won’t be put-off by the size of a slit lamp, however operating the slit lamp does take some getting used to– kind of like driving a large truck for the first time. Turning on the iBex for the first time you’ll then notice that the LED illumination is bright- like brighter than most slit lamps when on full power. iBex leads with both the brightness as well as the color index of their LED bulbs claiming this sets them apart, however we’re not sure the 4300K index is any different from other LED slit lamps, and we’re comfortable speculating that 1,086,000 (lux) is a bit excessive in any exam situation. In terms of optics and observation experience, we agree that the iBex is a good value when compared to other similar LED slit lamps. Despite deep ‘eye cups’, the oculars are crisp and the entire microscope is maneuvered quite smoothly. The system is seemingly robust, sleek and modern and we definitely approve of the joystick feel within the hand. Another point worth noting, the iBex is quite easy to install and can be easily broken down for easy transport– something most (Haag-Style) slit lamps are not good at.