An Amsler grid is helpful at detecting changes in one’s central vision. The grid consists of a square with a pattern of smaller squares contained within it. It is designed to be held a comfortable reading distance from the person using it. Changes to vision are often detected as areas where the lines are no longer straight, but are bent or distorted, or where the lines are actually absent.
When used regularly, an Amsler grid may help patients detect early changes in their macular degeneration. In general, the earlier changes are detected, the more likely it is that treatment will be effective, especially if the changes are due to wet macular degeneration.
When using the grid, each eye should be checked separately by covering the fellow eye. Patients are instructed to look at the central dot. If they see the central dot, they should continue looking at it while trying to see all four corners and all four sides of the chart.
Do they appear straight? Are the lines inside the chart all present, and are they all straight? If not, one’s eye care provider should be contacted immediately. If upon examination it is determined that wet macular degeneration has not occurred, then the changes noted on the Amsler grid should be considered one’s baseline, and only additional changes should be reported.
Amsler grid testing is not foolproof, and subtle or significant disease progression may go undetected. Therefore, regular examinations, as determined by your eye care provider, are important. These exams may vary from every 3 months to annually, based upon the stage of your dry macular degeneration and the risk of progression.
Nick’s comment:
It was pointed out to me in the beginning that time was of the essence. Today I am so pleased that I listened to and acted on that advice. My doctor had given me the Amsler grid, which is very easy to use, and I used it as a bookmark in whatever book I was reading. That way, I was able to look at the grid daily and detect any changes in my vision immediately.