Self Testing

Between regular visits with your eye care professional, you can check your vision at home with an Amsler Grid. It resembles a sheet of graph paper with a dot printed in the center. While staring at the dot, patients with AMD may notice that the straight lines appear wavy, or that some of the lines seem to be missing. Looking at an Amsler Grid regularly will help you stay alert to changes in your vision that may require immediate attention.

How to use an Amsler grid:

1. Cover the eye that’s not being tested.
2. Hold the test grid directly in front of you, about 14 inches from your face, and look at the dot in the center of the grid, not at the lines.
3. While looking at the dot, all the lines, both vertical and horizontal, should appear straight and unbroken.

If any of the straight lines appear wavy, or you notice that some of the lines seem to be missing, note their location on the grid for future reference.

Remember, this test should not replace your regularly scheduled visits with your eye care professional.