Amsler Grid Test
Age Related Macular degeneration (ARMD) affects the central vision. Distortions appear in the central vision. These distortions can be mapped with an Amsler grid test as wavy lines or missing squares. The extent of distorted vision increases as macular degeneration advances.
Amsler Grid Test is one of the most simple and effective methods for patients to monitor the health of the macula.

The Amsler Grid is essentially a card that has a pattern of intersecting lines (identical to graph paper) with a black dot in the middle. The black dot is used for fixation (a place for the eye to stare at).
With normal vision, if you look at the grid and fix your gaze on the central black dot, all lines surrounding the black dot will look straight and evenly spaced with no missing or odd looking areas. When there is disease affecting the macula, as in macular degeneration, the lines can look bent, distorted and/or missing. These distortions happen because the macula gives us our ability to see clearly objects that we fix our gaze at, and therefore any disturbance in the macula affects central vision profoundly.

Directions for using the Amsler Grid:
  ● Test one eye at a time. Wear your reading glasses.
  ● Hold the Amsler grid about 14 inches (reading distance) from the eye.
  ● Cover the non-tested eye.
  ● Direct and maintain your gaze on the black dot in the center of the grid.
  ● While looking at the black dot, take note of any waviness of the lines or missing areas of the
grid. If there is any visual disturbance in the grid, consult your eye care professional immediately.   ● Repeat this with the other eye.
  ● Perform this test at least three times a week for each eye.

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