What is an Amsler Grid?

The Amsler Grid is a simple piece of graph paper with a dot in the middle.  It is very useful for monitoring patients with Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).  Significant changes on the Amsler Grid may be a sign of dry AMD becoming wet AMD.  These changes include waviness of the lines or portions of the lines missing.  The sooner this is brought to Dr. Becker’s attention, the sooner he can get you the care you need.  We will usually see you within 24 to 36 hours. These kinds of changes frequently mean you need a Retina doctor for further evaluation.

This chart is meant to be a quick screening tool to be used at home on a daily basis.  Please feel free to bookmark this page.  The Amsler Grid is not a substitute for a thorough eye exam.

How do I use the Amsler Grid?

Use the glasses you normally wear to read.

With one eye at a time (cover the other eye) look at the dot.
Don’t look away from the dot. 
While you are focusing on the dot, do any of the lines appear wavy or missing? Are all the lines straight and square?  Can you make out all four corners? 
Now repeat this for the other eye. 

If there are changes in what you see on the grid,
call us at (314) 843-5800.