The Amsler grid is a simple square containing multiple squares, with a dot in the center. This grid pattern can pick up problem areas in your field of vision. It can monitor changes in your vision, and thus, help detect early signs of retinal disease. Your doctor may ask you to look at an Amsler grid to check for AMD in the clinic during your comprehensive eye exam. thereafter, you can use it at home to detect any changes in your vision.
Who needs to use the Amsler Grid?
If you have been diagnosed with AMD, you can use the Amsler Grid, once a day, in order to monitor your vision.
Age Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a common eye condition of the elderly, which can cause vision loss. The macula is the center retina, and is responsible for sharp, central vision.
How to use the Amsler Grid
- Wear your reading glasses as usual.
- Hold the grid at a comfortable reading distance, about 12 to 15 inches away from your face. Make sure you are in a well-lit reading area.
- Cover one eye.
- Focus directly on the dot in the center with your other eye.
- While looking directly at the dot, pay attention to the lines that form the grid.
- Check if all the lines are straight and intersecting at right angles. Make a note if any lines are blurred, wavy, broken or missing.
- Repeat the process for the other eye.
- Do this every day.
- Contact your eye doctor in case any lines are dark, blurred, wavy, broken or missing.
Risk factors for AMD
- Age over 50
- A family history of AMD
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Hypertension
Tests for AMD
Tests for AMD include the following
- Dilated, comprehensive eye exam
- Vision testing or visual acuity testing
- Fundus photography, including autoflourescence
- Fundus fluorescein angiography, FFA
- Optical coherence tomography, OCT
