The Amsler grid eye test can be a helpful tool for people living with age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD. AMD affects a part of your retina called the macula. The macula helps you see the details of objects in front of you clearly and gives you central vision.

Check out details about what the Amsler grid is and how it may be helpful in assessing the status of your AMD.

How Does the Amsler Grid Test Help?

There are two types of AMD, dry and wet. Dry AMD tends to be more common and occurs in about 80 percent of people living with AMD. With dry AMD, the macula thins with age and may eventually stop working properly.

Wet AMD may lead to vision loss that occurs faster and is more serious. With this type, blood vessels grow under the retina and may leak fluids and cause scarring in the macula.

For some people, dry AMD can progress to wet AMD. You may not notice these changes. Monitoring your vision and getting evaluated promptly for any new symptoms is key.

The Amsler grid can help detect the transition from dry to wet before other symptoms arise.

How Do You Use the Amsler Grid at Home?

A copy of an Amsler grid can be viewed on the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s website.

Follow these steps to use the Amsler grid:

1. Ensure you have good lighting.
2. Wear your reading glasses (if any).
3. Hold the grid 12 to 15 inches from your face, about reading distance.
4. Cover one eye and look directly at the center dot on the grid.
5. Keep your uncovered eye focused on the dot.
6. While looking at the dot, notice whether all of the grid lines are straight or distorted.
7. Notice if any of the grid lines are blurry, wavy, dark, or missing.
8. Repeat the same steps with the other eye.

It’s important to remember to cover or close one eye when using the Amsler grid. This allows you to test one eye at a time.

If you use the grid with both eyes open, you may not notice any changes or abnormalities. This can happen as one eye can compensate for the other.

How Often Should You Test at Home?

It’s recommended that you use the Amsler grid test once a day, every day if you have AMD. Early detection is key.

Monitoring your vision and reporting any changes to your eye doctor right away can help detect progression earlier. Catching and treating vision changes early on may help slow or stop further vision loss.

What Should You Do if You Notice Changes?

You should call your eye doctor right away if you notice any area of the Amsler grid is wavy, blurry, dark, or blank. They can perform an eye exam to see what is going on and provide treatment if needed.

If you experience any of these vision changes even without the use of the grid, you should call your doctor:

• It becomes more difficult to read.
• Straight lines begin to look curved.
• Faces become harder to see or recognize.
• Images on the TV or computer become harder to see.

Join the Conversation

On myAMDteam, people share their experiences with AMD, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are you living with age-related macular degeneration? If so, do you use the Amsler grid test? Share your experience in the comments.