You don’t need to be at a doctor’s office to check your vision. In fact, there’s a simple tool called the Amsler Grid that you can use to evaluate your sight on a regular basis.
The grid, which has small black squares on a white background, was developed in 1945 to monitor a person’s central vision field. This tool is especially important for people living with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), as central vision can be distorted within a matter of weeks or months.
So, how do you use the grid? Below are 4 easy steps to make the most of this resource:
1. Wear your reading glasses (if applicable) and hold the grid 12-15 inches away from your face. Stare at the black dot in the center of the grid.
2. Cover your left eye while continuing to stare at the dot with your right eye. Do not shift your gaze from the dot.
3. While staring directly at the center dot, note whether all lines of the grid are straight or if they are blurred, distorted or dark.
4. Repeat while covering your right eye.
If you notice that any of the grid looks dark, blurry or distorted, contact your eye care professional immediately. Below is a grid you can use to check out this test.
Visit our website to learn more about AMD and other eye health conditions.
Amsler Grid
