When it comes to surgeries, good lighting is crucial.

Without good quality light, it can be hard to see all the details of what you’re working on, whether that’s a spay, a wound repair, and abdominal exploratory, or anything else.

Dim or subpar lighting can make you strain your eyes while trying to place or tie your sutures. And, adequate lighting is important to accurately note the color, texture, and general appearance of tissues for your medical record—that way, nothing gets missed.

Not to mention, good visualization of your field of work keeps you from craning your neck to see better—which can be helpful for your posture and for preventing aches and pains from hunching over. 

Maybe you already understand the importance of good surgical lighting—but did you realize how affordable it is?

In the past, LED lights have been very expensive compared to halogen bulbs—and maybe that seemed cost-prohibitive.

However, new lights are available at 30-40% less (and that includes a better warranty, too).

So, considering the energy efficiency and performance of LED lights, there’s really no competition—affordable, high-quality LEDs are a great investment for your practice.

Plus, many cities, counties, states, and even electric power companies offer rebates for upgrading to LED lights, due to the decrease in power used.

Specific requirements for rebates vary by location—so be sure to check with your local municipality and utility providers to see what’s available in your area. Because it’s always great to get a cash rebate that can help cover the cost of your upgrades!

So, how do you choose the right surgical light?

When it comes to selecting the best surgical light, there are many things to consider…

• Affordability. LED lights are much more affordable now than they used to be, so shop around and be sure you’re getting a good deal (be sure to compare all the other factors on this list, too).

• Quality. Look for dependability, durability, and a good-value warranty to back up your investment.

• Range of lighting brightness, including high-intensity light, and dimming options to use as needed.

• Adjustable. The light pattern can be adjusted from a smaller, focused pattern, to a larger area of coverage, depending on your needs.

• Precision positioning. You should be able to adjust the entire head and arm of the light, and know it will stay precisely where you put it (we recommend limitless arm rotation and a drift-free design that moves easily when you adjust it, but then stays put where you want it).

• Easy to clean (and sterilizable handles are a plus).

• User-friendly, with dimming and focusing controls on or near the handle.

• Shadow-free illumination—or at least a design that minimizes shadows as much as possible.

• Mounting options that match the layout of your surgery room or suite.

What’s our recommendation?

We recommend the new Burton veterinary LED surgery light.

Why? Because this light checks all the criteria above. Plus, it has a dependable LED, is assembled in the USA, and is backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty.

At a competitive price point that optimizes design, performance, and value, it’s pretty hard to pass up!

Is a Burton light right for you?

When it comes to investing in new equipment for your practice, maybe the lighting isn’t always the first thing on your mind…

However, surgical lighting is something you use many times every week—maybe even several times per day, depending on the nature of your practice.

That’s probably more often than you use some of the other equipment in your hospital.

So, be sure not to overlook this crucial piece of equipment. You may be surprised how better lighting can make your time in the surgery suite more comfortable and efficient.