The Amsler grid is used to check whether lines look wavy or distorted, or whether areas of the visual field are missing.
- Tape this page at eye level where light is consistent and without glare.
- Put on your reading glasses and cover one eye.
- Fix your gaze on the center black dot.
- Keeping your gaze fixed, try to see if any lines are distorted or missing.
- Mark the defect on the chart.
- TEST EACH EYE SEPARATELY.
- If the distortion is new or has worsened, arrange to see your eye doctor at once.
- Always keep the Amsler’s Chart the same distance from your eyes each time you test.
Do I have Macular Degeneration?
Age-related Macular Degeneration is often detected in an eye exam, before the symptoms become noticeable. In early AMD, tiny drusen or waste deposits can be seen on the surface of the retina. The macula itself sometimes shows a change in its color (pigment). In many people, the disease does not progress beyond this condition.
If the disease has progressed further than this initial stage, macular degeneration symptoms can include:
- blurred or fuzzy vision
- the illusion that straight lines, such as the edge of a door or sentences on a page, are wavy
- the illusion that some objects are smaller than they really are
- the appearance of a gray, dark or empty area in the center of the visual field
- sometimes color vision is noticeably paler than usual
Remember that other conditions can cause some of these same symptoms. Meeting with a health-care professional can sort through the causes and determine if you are experiencing macular degeneration symptoms.
What Kind of Doctor Do I Need to See
An overview of the types of eye care providers you may encounter to help you decide which is best for you.
How to Find a Doctor
Where and how to find the right provider for your needs.
If vision changes are occurring in your eye, do not ignore them. Certain forms of macular degeneration can progress very quickly and can respond to treatment if caught in time. If you have a sudden change in vision, call your eye care provider right away and let them know.
Stargardt disease may be detected in children and teenagers who are having trouble with their vision, although it can occur in early adulthood. Like adults with Age-related Macular Degeneration, children with Stargardt disease have trouble with central vision acuity.
Related Resources
What is Macular Degeneration?
This entire site is dedicated to information regarding Macular Degeneration, but this page will give you a quick general overview to get you oriented.
Types and Stages of Macular Degeneration
All AMD starts as the dry form, which may progress from early to intermediate and advanced stages, the last of which is called geographic atrophy.
Is there a Cure?
Although there is not yet a cure for age-related macular degeneration or Stargardt disease, research at leading institutions worldwide progresses steadily.