Grid For Macular Degeneration - The Amsler Grid Test

The grid for macular degeneration is also known as the Amsler Grid test.
This test can be used to monitor the health of the macula and therefore it
is helpful for patients with either macular degeneration or diabetes who
have eye problems that involve the macula.

This simple and effective test for macular function is basically a grid of
intersecting lines, similar to graph paper, with a black dot in the center.

The central black dot is used for central fixation and the patient should
stare at the dot while doing the test.

With a healthy macula, all of the lines surrounding the black dot should
look straight and spaced evenly. There should be no missing areas or
distortion.

When there is disease affecting the macula, as in macular degeneration or
in diabetes with macular problems, the lines can look bent, distorted
and/or missing due to hemorrhage or swelling in the macula.

Some conditions that are monitored with an Amsler Grid include:

Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Cystoid Macular Edema (swelling of the macula in diabetes or after
cataract surgery)

Drusen (deposits) present in the macula

Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome (OHS or POHS)

High Myopia (nearsightedness) with retinal degeneration

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) or Chloroquine use (a drug used for
rheumatological conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)

Central Serous Choroidopathy