Amsler Grid

Hi,

This video is a brief explanation of how and when to use an amsler grid. The Video is designed to display as an amsler grid when viewed with an iphone or ipod touch, when this audio commentry can be muted out.

An amsler grid is simply a grid of 5mm squares, with a central fixation dot in the middle. A normal grid is 10cm wide by 10cm high. To print one out just google amsler grid pdf.

It is used to detect distortion or blind spots called scotoma in the central vision, And this is most commonly used to detect and monitor for changes associated with Age Related Macular Degeneration or AMD.

The grid should be held at a normal reading distance of approximately 30cm, with one eye covered while the other is tested. Reading glasses should be worn. While fixing upon the central dot, the patient is asked whether any part of the grid is either distorted or missing.

If there is distortion or gaps in the grid, this could suggest a problem with the macular area of the retina and should be seen by an eye specialist. People who are aleady known to have AMD can use this grid to check that any blind spot or distortion are not changing over time.

Monitoring for early signs of AMD has become more important in the last couple of years with the availability of effective treatments for Wet AMD. This is the type of Macular Degeneration associated with development of new blood vessels within the macula. If treated early these new blood vessels can regress before they are able to cause permanent scarring and damage to the vision. New symtoms should therefore be seen urgently by a specialist within a few days where possible.