title: Understanding the colposcope. Optics, light path, magnification, and field of view.
abstract: The colposcope, basically binoculars on a stand, is used for the evaluation of the genital tract. Its optics, although complicated in theory, are easy to use in practice. Certain adjustments are necessary for stereoscopic viewing. Other adjustments adapt the optics for high viewing and either adapt the optics for high magnification study of disease features or low magnification for seeing the entire surgical field during treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D020681:Colposcopes; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis