What Are Amsler Grids and How Do You Use Them?

An Amsler grid test is one of the many tools eye doctors use to perform a diagnosis. The grid consists of a single square with a grid pattern and a black dot in the middle.

The Amsler grid test helps identify problem spots in the field of vision. You can perform it at home or at your local eye clinic. Let’s discuss more about it.

How to Use an Amsler Grid Test

If you want to use the Amsler grid test correctly, follow these steps once a day, every day:

• Put on your regular reading glasses if you have them. Hold the grid at eye level at approximately 12 to 15 inches away from your face in good light.
• Cover your left eye and look at the dot in the middle with your right eye.
• Lock your focus on the center dot and pay attention to the gridlines in your peripheral vision.
• If any lines or areas look blurry, wavy, dark, or blank, speak with your eye doctor.
• After you have done one eye, switch and perform the same tasks with the other eye.

What Does the Amsler Chart Look Like if You Have Macular Degeneration? 

People with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may not see the Amsler grid in the same way as people without eye health issues. The grid may appear wavy or have blank spots.

If you start noticing these symptoms, speak to an eye doctor immediately. Getting an early diagnosis for AMD can help your eye doctor establish a treatment regimen to prevent further damage.

Is the Amsler Grid Chart Effective for Testing Macular Degeneration?

Most practices will use an Amsler grid chart to test macular degeneration. However, according to a study, the sensitivity of Amsler grids can be less than 50%.

This means that some people with macular degeneration may not believe they have the condition when, in reality, they do. Despite this, the Amsler grid chart is still useful. 

It's economical and easy to perform. Until another adequate replacement comes about, using Amsler grids combined with knowledge of risk factors and clinical history can help with early detection.

Are There Alternative Tests to Diagnose AMD?

Aside from the Amsler grid, your doctor can conduct various tests to diagnose the condition. These include:

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Retinal examination
• Fluorescein angiography
• Optical coherence tomography

How to Treat Macular Degeneration

Unfortunately, macular degeneration can’t be cured. However, it’s a progressive disease, and early detection can reduce the severity of symptoms while slowing its progression.

Disease type and stage will determine the kind of treatment. In general, though, your healthcare provider may consider the following therapeutic approaches:

Nutritional Supplements

Clinical trials found that combining vitamin and mineral intake could slow the progression of dry AMD.2 AREDS supplements include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Lutein
• Zinc
• Copper
• Zeaxanthin
• Beta carotene (this is not recommended for smokers due to an increased risk of lung cancer)

Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF)

This is a treatment option for wet AMD. It includes blocking VEGF production, a protein that contributes to the creation of blood vessels. 

Your eye doctor will inject anti-VEGF into a numbed eye to delay or stop blood vessel development. This typically improves vision.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

A healthcare professional will use both an injectable light-sensitive drug and laser treatment to eliminate extra blood vessels in the eye. You may undergo a combination treatment with anti-VEGF.