People with dry AMD may notice subtle changes in vision from day to day. One day, a straight line might seem a little off, or you might find it harder to focus on small details. While it can be subtle, there is a simple way to monitor your eyesight between appointments.
An Amsler grid is a chart used at home to monitor your central vision for any distortions or changes. While it offers a valuable way to check in on your eye health, it is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.
A Simple Tool for Your Eye Health
The Amsler grid is a chart made of straight horizontal and vertical lines that form a perfect grid, similar to a sheet of graph paper. In the very centre of the grid is a small, single dot. You can use this chart to perform a quick, daily check of your central vision.
Since conditions like age-related macular degeneration can progress slowly, it could be difficult to recognize any changes. Using an Amsler grid is a helpful habit for your eye health, as it provides a consistent way to notice changes. It helps you take an active role in your health journey, but it works alongside, not in place of, regular eye exams.
Who Should Use an Amsler Grid?
An eye doctor may suggest you use an Amsler grid if you have a condition that affects the macula. The macula is the part of your eye responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. It’s the part you use for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. This is why it is often recommended for monitoring age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Monitoring for changes can be an important part of your eye care plan. Your eye care team can perform a thorough assessment during an eye exam and let you know if using an Amsler grid at home is a good step for you.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Amsler Grid
To get the most from the Amsler grid, you need to use it correctly and consistently. Follow these simple steps for an accurate home check:
- Hold the Amsler grid at a comfortable reading distance (about arm’s length from your face). Make sure you are in a well-lit room.
- If you use glasses or contact lenses for reading, put them on as you normally would.
- Gently cover 1 eye with your hand.
- With your uncovered eye, focus directly on the dot in the centre of the grid.
- While keeping your gaze fixed on the dot, pay attention to the rest of the grid. Notice if any lines appear wavy, blurry, or if any sections are missing or dark.
- After you finish, cover your other eye and repeat the entire process.
Finding a routine, like checking your vision at the same time each day, can help you spot changes more easily.
What Your Results Might Mean
With clear central vision, the grid should look like a perfect checkerboard. The dot in the centre appears sharp, and all the lines surrounding it should be straight and unbroken. Every small square on the grid should look uniform in size and shape.
If your central vision changes, you might notice distortions when you look at the grid. It’s helpful to be aware of what these changes can look like. Some common signs include:
- Lines that seem wavy, bent, or curved instead of straight
- Boxes that look blurry or appear to be different in size or shape
- Dark, gray, or completely blank spots anywhere on the grid
When you look at the grid, you are creating a baseline for your vision. Knowing what is considered a normal result helps you identify any new developments. This allows you to track your vision over time, which is important because detecting issues early often allows for more effective treatment
Your Next Step After an Amsler Grid Test
The Amsler grid is a tool for monitoring, not for diagnosis. If you see any new changes or distortions, even if they seem minor, it’s important to make a note of what you see and on what date. This information can be very helpful to your optometrist in tracking your progression.
Any new or worsening distortion is a signal to schedule a visit with Brighton Eyecare. Our team can perform a complete evaluation to get a clear picture of what is happening with your vision and recommend the right next steps.We use specialized equipment to check your entire eye, including aspects of your vision that the Amsler grid cannot screen for. If you notice any changes while using an Amsler grid or have questions about your vision, schedule an appointment with our team today.
