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Macular Degeneration Grid

The macular degeneration grid, also known as the Amsler Grid, is an easy macular degeneration prevention test. As we discussed in our other articles, macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly. And blindness is one of the most common elderly issues. It can be treated and its progression slowed with early detection. The Amsler Grid is an excellent tool to monitor this type of loss of vision.

photo of eyes

You can use the macular degeneration grid to test yourself in your home. Anyone can use it. As you will see from the grid below, it is a series of intersecting lines with a dot in the middle. With normal vision, you will see all of the lines as straight. When macular degeneration begins, however, the lines look wavy or even missing.

Before you use this grid at home, you should always first visit your eye doctor and have a thorough eye exam with dilation. Discuss any concerns you may have, discuss all serious elderly issues, and especially let your doctor know if macular degeneration runs in your family.

If your doctor detects macular degeneration during your exam, he may give you the Amsler Grid test right away, and discuss what you see on the grid. You may already be perceiving wavy lines. If so, have your doctor help you mark what they look like and where they are on the chart. When you test yourself at home, you will compare this with each test to observe if new waves or distortions appear. If so, notify your doctor immediately.

Here are easy directions for use of the macular degeneration grid:

image of Amsler macular degeneration grid

Print out this grid to test yourself at home.
Hang the grid on your bathroom or bedroom mirror, at eye level.
If you wear corrective lenses or reading glasses, do put them on.
You will be testing each eye separately.
Stand back far enough so that you can see the chart clearly.
Note where you are standing, because it is important to always stand at the same distance each time you test yourself.
Cover your right eye, and stare at the dot in the middle of the grid.
Note whether the lines look straight or wavy.
Cover the left eye and do the same.
If you notice new wavy or missing lines, mark them.
Call your eye doctor right away.

Your doctor may also give you more detailed instructions on how to use the Amsler Grid. You may receive particular instructions about each eye, or how far away from the grid the doctor wants you to stand. He will also let you know how frequently you should use the grid.

The purpose of this test is early detection and prevention. You can help your doctor monitor your vision. If you do develop this vision disease, there is macular degeneration treatment that your doctor will discuss with you, depending on what type you have -- wet macular degeneration or dry.

If you are over age 65 (some specialists say even 60 if it runs in your family), you have a stronger chance of loss of vision through macular degeneration. Know the symptoms. Take precautions now for macular degeneration prevention. Test yourself with this macular degeneration grid at least weekly.

Return from Macular Degeneration Grid,
back to Causes of Blindness

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