The Amsler grid (or Amsler chart) is a simple and effective method of monitoring your vision for macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disorder of the macula, which is the central part of the retina. This affects your central vision, and you may notice as though a blurred or distorted area had been placed in the center of your vision. The image around the blurred area may be clearly visible. This is well illustrated in the example below.


(Image adapted from the internet)

Welcome to the Top 10 Low Vision Aid Magnifiers for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) for 2017! Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss among people age 65 and older. 11 million people in the United States have some form of age-related macular degeneration, and 2.3 million people in the United States have undiagnosed AMD.

An abnormality in the appearance of the grid pattern may indicate macular degeneration. If you notice any abnormality, arrange a consultation with your ophthalmologist without delay. Early treatment of AMD means better outcomes!

Note: Distortion may not always be present in macular degeneration

(Image adapted from the internet)

Testing your central vision with the Amsler grid is one of the best ways of monitoring for symptoms of macular degeneration.



WHAT YOU WILL NEED

1. An Amsler grid
2. A well-lit room
3. Some tape (to tape the chart at your location of choice)
4. A ruler or tape measure (to measure your distance from the chart)
5. And in an ideal world, an assistant



WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Monitors For Macular Degeneration

1. Print an Amsler grid or bring it up on your computer screen.
2. Choose a well-lit and bright room. In this room, pick a wall or door or location that is away from any window glare. Some people prefer to use the refrigerator door in the kitchen.
3. Affix the grid on this wall or door. If you are using your computer screen, then place your computer in this location. The center dot of the grid must be at your eye level. So decide whether you want to do the test sitting down or standing up before you tape the grid in position.
4. Place a mark (best done with tape) at the point which is 14 inches from the grid. Use your ruler or tape measure to be as precise as possible.
5. Stand or sit facing the grid at the 14-inch mark. Make sure you wear your normal reading glasses or contact lens.
6. Cover one eye with your palm (make sure no light can enter), and look at the dot in the center of the grid.
7. You should see all 4 corners of the grid, as well as the horizontal and vertical lines.
8. While looking at the dot, look for any distortion or blurriness of the grid pattern. This may appear as a blank, smudgy or wavy patch. If you notice any abnormality, try to note down its position. Either tell your assistance or mark it on the grid with pencil.
9. Repeat with your other eye covered

Macular

(Image adapted from the internet)

This is an example of the blank patches (left) and distortion (right) that macular degeneration may cause when testing with the Amsler grid.

Monitoring your vision with the Amsler chart is an important part of any AMD prevention strategy. If you notice any abnormality in the appearance of the chart pattern, arrange a consultation with your ophthalmologist without delay. The earlier AMD treatment is started, the higher the chances of treatment success.

(Image adapted from the internet)

Consult your ophthalmologist without delay if you suspect you have symptoms of age-related macular degeneration. If you delay and your macula becomes completely scarred as above, then treatment will not be successful and your central vision will remain poor.



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The Amsler grid is used to check whether lines look wavy or distorted, or whether areas of the visual field are missing.
  1. Tape this page at eye level where light is consistent and without glare.
  2. Put on your reading glasses and cover one eye.
  3. Fix your gaze on the center black dot.
  4. Keeping your gaze fixed, try to see if any lines are distorted or missing.
  5. Mark the defect on the chart.
  6. TEST EACH EYE SEPARATELY.
  7. If the distortion is new or has worsened, arrange to see your eye doctor at once.
  8. Always keep the Amsler’s Chart the same distance from your eyes each time you test.

Other Useful Resources

What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans – more than cataracts and glaucoma combined. This entire site is dedicated to information regarding Macular Degeneration, but this page will give you a quick general overview to get you oriented.
Diagnosing Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Most of the advanced diagnostics for studying the presence or progression of macular degeneration involve making images of the fundus (the inside back of the eyeball) and the retina. The technology is constantly being updated
Food and Recipes for Good Eye Health
We’re happy to share a few of our favorites from Eat Right for Your Sight™, as well as some nutritional guidelines for maintaining healthy vision.
Ten Habits for Good Eye Health
What can be done to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration? The New England Eye Center at Tufts Medical Center recommends the following healthy habits, and your health care provider may give similar recommendations.