Let’s learn how to use an Amsler grid. It’s simple. The Amsler grid is one of those health checks that anyone can do on themselves, easily. It is possible to detect an early vision problem while it is still treatable by your ophthalmologist. Of course everyone should see his or her eye doctor routinely whether it is an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. The frequency of visits is up to your doctor but there are guidelines which vary depending on age and specific circumstances.
In 1945 a Swiss ophthalmologist named Dr. Amsler came up with the idea of viewing a piece of graph paper with a dot in the center to detect eye problems. In line with the medical tradition of naming things after their inventors, the powers-that-be called this invention, the Amsler grid. The Amsler grid is useful screening tool for detecting and following problems with the central part of your vision in the back of the eye.
Eye Health Conditions Detectable
There are many conditions that can produce abnormalities in your view of the square boxes of the graph paper.
These include:
- macular degeneration
This is a deterioration of the eye tissue in the very center of one’s vision. It is often described as “dry” or “wet”. - central serous chorioretinopathy
This is a “blister” that forms under the retina. It is associated with stress, male gender and increased cortisols. - macular pucker
This is a wrinkling of the lining of the retina. It sometimes presents as seeing straight lines as having curves in them. - diabetic eye problems
This is catch all for many problems that diabetes can effect inside the eyes. Some of these are fluid leaking, bleeding and scar tissue forming. - and others
This includes more disorders that can be seen by clicking the link.
An Easy Test
The importance of your detecting these abnormalities in the way we see the Amsler grid is that the earlier they are detected, the more chance there is of a successful treatment.
The test is super easy and takes less than 30 seconds to screen both eyes.
Please remember this is NOT a substitute for a professional eye exam. If your Amsler screening seems normal there can STILL be problems that only your eye doctor can detect. So get that regular eye doctor check up.
To get your free downloadable Amsler grid with instructions on how to use an Amsler grid, click HERE.
Instructions on How to Use an Amsler Grid
1. Print and cut out your Amsler grid and mount it somewhere.
2. Use the same amount of room light as you would to read.
3. If you need glasses to read, then wear them.
4. Keep back from your Amsler grid about 14 to 16 inches.
5. Cover your left eye with your hand and look with the right eye.
6. Look at the center dot. If you can’t see the dot, try to look at the center of the graph paper where the dot would be if you could see it.
7. Repeat by covering the right eye with your hand and look with the left eye.
Q. What do I look for?
1. Are any lines blurred, distorted or wavy?
2. Are all the little boxes square and the same size?
3. Are there any areas that are missing or dark?
4. Can you see all the corners and sides at the same time,looking at the dot?
Q. What do I do if I find something?
1. Contact an eye doctor right away.
2. Print two copies of the Amsler grid, one for right eye and one for left eye.
3. Mark the copies showing areas where you noted the issues. Bring to doctor.
Q. Is this an eye exam?
1. No, of course not. It is an easy to use screening to help detect a possibly treatable problem in your eyes.
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