What the Amsler grid checks
The Amsler grid tests your central vision, which comes from the macula: the small area at the center of the retina you use for reading, recognizing faces and seeing detail. Eye doctors give it to patients to monitor at home because changes in the macula often show up as distortion: straight lines that look wavy, bent or broken, or patches that look blurry, dark or missing.
This version is drawn at true size, a 10 cm grid of 5 mm squares, after a quick screen calibration. Held at reading distance, that covers the central 20 degrees of your vision, just like the printed card.
Who should use an Amsler grid?
Anyone over 50, people with a family history of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), people with diabetes, and anyone already diagnosed with a macular condition. Doctors often recommend checking each eye regularly so that changes are spotted early, when treatment works best.
When to see a doctor
If you notice new distortion, or an area that has changed since your last check, contact an eye doctor promptly. Sudden new distortion or a dark patch in your central vision should be seen within a day or two. Wet macular degeneration can progress quickly, and early treatment can save vision.