Encyclopedia - Amsler Grid

What eye problems does the Amsler Grid detect?
How is the Amsler Grid used?

The Amsler Grid is a simple eye test used for detecting defects or distortion in the central or "straight ahead" field of vision such as that used for reading or looking at a face. The grid consists of horizontal and vertical black lines on a white background or, sometimes, white lines on a black background.

What eye problems does the Amsler Grid detect?

The Amsler Grid was originally developed by Marc Amsler to allow patients to test their own central vision for early signs of macular degeneration, a disease that affects the small central portion of the retina called the macula. Although the macula is only about ¼ inch in diameter, it controls virtually all of the eye's central vision. Macular degeneration occurs most often after the age of 50 and is the most common cause of irreversible loss of central vision in the United States. Early detection of the problem is critical to saving eyesight.

The Amsler Grid is also used to detect macular edema, a common cause of severe visual impairment brought on by diabetes.

How is the Amsler Grid used?

Doctors often give patients an Amsler Grid home eye test chart if they are at risk for any disease, which may cause damage to the macula. Using just one eye at a time, a patient stares at a dot in the center of the grid. If any part of the grid appears to be distorted, blurred, wavy or discolored, or if any of the boxes appear to be of a different size than the others, the patient is advised to schedule an appointment to see the doctor.