How to Use an Amsler Grid to Monitor Central Vision at Home

The Amsler grid is a simple tool used to detect changes in central vision that may indicate macular conditions.

The Amsler Grid

With this test you can check your central vision at home. You should use the Amsler grid to

test your central vision every day to detect any changes that may be caused by worsening

age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or other macular disorders.

Follow these steps while looking at the grid on the next page:

1. If you usually wear reading glasses, put them on to take this test.

2. Hold the Grid at a normal reading distance, about 12 - 14 inches away from your face.

3. Using only your right eye (left eye closed), look at the dot in the center of the grid. Make

sure that you can see the entire grid.

4. If any of the lines in the grid look distorted, blurry, or missing, write down what you see.

5. Repeat these steps with your left eye while your right eye is closed.

If any of these changes are new, call your retina doctor the same day.

Symptoms It Helps Detect

• Wavy or distorted lines

• Missing areas in vision

• Blurred central spots

How to Use It

1. Wear reading glasses if needed

2. Cover one eye

3. Focus on the center dot

4. Observe any distortions

5. Repeat with the other eye

When to See a Doctor

Any new changes should be evaluated promptly.

Summary and Next Steps

The Amsler grid is a helpful monitoring tool, but it does not replace a professional eye exam.