Amsler Grid Testing

Amsler grid testing is often recommended for patients with macular diseases. The Amsler grid is an effective way for patients to monitor for changes in their central vision. Patients with significant macular disease are often advised to check the grid daily. The Amsler grid is simply a small square of graph paper with a dot in the center. Patients often stick the grid to their mirror, refrigerator, or some other prominent place in the house where they will see it and remember to check it daily.

Instructions

To check the grid, the patient should be wearing his or her reading glasses. The grid should be held at the normal distance and position in which the patient would hold a piece of paper he or she is reading. One eye is covered at a time, so that the grid is viewed with each eye alone for a few seconds. In checking the grid, it is very important to cover the other eye. Why? Because a healthy eye can compensate for an eye with vision changes. The healthy eye can mask the grid changes that would be seen with the other eye alone.

Several types of changes may occur on the grid. The straight lines may appear bent, curved or distorted. Sometimes an area of the grid may appear darker or disappear entirely. Or the central dot may disappear. Any of these changes can indicate progression of macular disease. If the grid appears changed, it should be checked again in a few hours. If the changes persist, the patient should call the office early on the next working day.

If you would like an Amsler grid please register. Please provide us your with your full name and mailing address and we will send you a magnetic grid. Or you can download the Amsler grid on this screen. Simply click on the icon labeled.