Amsler Grid to detect Age Related Macular Degeneration
Amsler grid (Amsler chart) is a special chart that is used to detect Age Related Macular Degeneration.
The pattern of the grid resembles a checkerboard. You will cover one eye and stare at a black dot in the center of the grid. While staring at the dot and if you have macular degeneration, you may notice that the straight lines in the pattern appear wavy lines or/and you may notice that some of the lines are missing or broken and this is called metamorphopsia.
This test can be use in the clinic or you can use it in home to check your vision on daily basis, and this is How you can use Amsler grid at home:
1- Choose a room that is well lighting and away from any windows.
2- Sit down in a comfort chair.
3- You should examine each eye alone so patch your left eye first.
4- Make sure that you hold the Amsler grid about 50 cm or 14 inches from your eyes with one hand and a pen or a marker with the other hand.
5- Wear the glasses or contact lenses that you normally wear for reading.
6- Look at the dot in the center of the chart.
7- Keep starring at this dot.
8- Normally you should see a clear area and the lines are straight with no black spots.
9- If you notice any abnormalities like blurring, wavy lines or black spots you should mark this area.
10- Do the same things but now with patching the other eye with new Amsler grid.
11- At the end of the examination if there is any abnormality, you should arrange for an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
12- You have to know that if you did this test and you did not notice any visual abnormalities this will be good thing but it will not guarantee 100% that you do not have age related macular degeneration. Again you should do regular professional eye examination.
