Amsler Grid: Macular Degeneration Test (Screening)
The Amsler grid is a tool that eye doctors use to detect vision problems resulting from damage to the macula (the central part of the retina) or the optic nerve. People with retinal conditions may notice missing spots (scotoma) or wavy, distorted lines (metamorphopsia) when looking at the grid.
The damage may be caused by macular degeneration (AMD) or other eye diseases, so the Amsler grid is useful in detecting these problems.
An early diagnosis means early treatment, so it may help to limit or at least slow the vision loss you experience.
If you are at risk for macular degeneration or other eye diseases, you can use this chart at home to monitor your vision. But using the chart doesn't mean you should skip regular visits to your eye doctor, because you can easily miss signs that only a trained eye care practitioner will find.
The chart below is an approximation of the printed chart used by eye doctors. For more accurate detection of macular damage, you will need a complete eye exam.
Click here to download a copy of an Amsler grid and instructions for use.
An Amsler grid consists of straight lines, with a reference dot in the center.
How to use the Amsler grid test
Testing your eyes with an Amsler grid is easy and takes only a few minutes. Here are the basic steps:
- Test your eyes under normal room lighting used for reading.
- Wear eyeglasses you normally wear for reading (even if you wear only store-bought reading glasses.
- Hold the Amsler grid approximately 12 to 15 inches from your eyes.
- Test each eye separately: Cup your hand over one eye while testing the other eye.
- Keep your eye focused on the dot in the center of the grid and answer these questions:
- Do any of the lines in the grid appear wavy, blurred or distorted?
- Do all the boxes in the grid look square and the same size?
- Are there any "holes" (missing areas) or dark areas in the grid?
- Can you see all corners and sides of the grid (while keeping your eye on the central dot)?
- Switch to the other eye and repeat.
IMPORTANT — Report any irregularities to your eye doctor immediately. Mark areas of the Amsler grid that you're not seeing properly (print two grids if you notice problems in each eye), and bring the grid(s) with you when you visit your eye doctor. Your eye doctor can help you interpret the results of your test and determine if further testing is needed.
Check your eyes with the Amsler grid as frequently as your doctor recommends, or whenever you notice a significant change in your eyesight.
What other tests can diagnose macular degeneration?
The Amsler grid can help you notice vision changes at home, but it may be used alongside other tests to properly diagnose AMD. An ophthalmologist often uses specialized imaging tests to examine the retina and look for signs of disease.
These tests may include:
- Dilated eye exam – A dilated eye exam can often be the first step in diagnosing AMD. Eye drops are used to widen the pupils so your eye doctor can better examine for early signs of disease.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) – OCT uses light waves to generate highly detailed images of the layers inside the retina. This allows eye doctors to look for changes linked to AMD, such as drusen, retinal swelling, bleeding and the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
- Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) – This procedure helps map blood circulation in the back of the eye. After a fluorescent dye is introduced into a vein, a series of retinal photographs is taken as the dye travels through the eyes’ blood vessels. The images can reveal areas where fluid is leaking from abnormal vessels, a common sign of wet AMD.
- Fundus autofluorescence (AF) imaging – AF imaging captures naturally occurring fluorescence within retinal tissue. By highlighting certain cells and metabolic byproducts, the test can help identify areas where retinal cells are damaged.
- Preferential hyperacuity perimetry (PHP) – PHP is a vision test that checks for small distortions in central vision that can occur with AMD. It may help detect disease changes before obvious symptoms develop.
Depending on your symptoms and eye exam findings, your eye doctor may use one or more of these tests to confirm a diagnosis and monitor changes in your retinal health over time.
Please note: If you have an urgent question about your eye health, contact your eye doctor immediately. This page is designed to provide general information about vision, vision care and vision correction. It is not intended to provide medical advice. If you suspect that you have a vision problem or a condition that requires attention, consult with an eye care professional for advice on the treatment of your own specific condition and for your own particular needs. For more information, read our Terms of Use.
