Introduction Step 1 of 5

Amsler Grid
Eye Test

A clinically validated 1-minute vision screening tool used by eye care professionals to detect early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal conditions affecting central vision.

⚠ Important before starting: Do not take this test if your eyes have been dilated, or immediately after a slit-lamp examination. A photo-stress effect can produce false results. Wait at least 30 minutes after any eye examination.

Before you begin

Reading glassesWear them if you normally use them

Good lightingBright, consistent. No screen glare

33 cm distanceOptimal reading distance from screen

Undilated pupilsNo recent slit-lamp exam or dilation

Select chart type

Choose the chart most appropriate for your assessment. Chart 1 is standard for routine monitoring.

Procedure

1Cover one eye with your palm — do not squint
2Look directly at the centre dot and keep your gaze fixed throughout
3Note if any lines appear wavy, blurry, missing or distorted — without moving your eyes
4Check that you can see all four corners and all four sides of the grid
5Mark any affected areas, then repeat with the other eye

Frequency: Weekly self-monitoring. Daily if instructed by your clinician. Patients at substantial CNV risk should use an Amsler grid for regular home monitoring.

Right eye Cover your left eye with your palm

Fix your gaze only on the centre dot. Without moving your eyes, notice if any lines appear wavy, blurry, missing or distorted. Mark those areas below.

Brush

Click or tap and drag to mark distorted areas Chart 1 — standard

What did you notice? (select all that apply)

Wavy / distorted linesLines appear bent or curved — suggests metamorphopsia (macular disease)

Missing / faint linesLines absent or grey — may suggest scotoma or optic neuropathy

Blurry / dark patchBlurred area or dark spot in part of the grid

Nothing abnormalGrid appears completely normal — all lines straight and clear

Can you see all four corners and all four sides of the grid?

A missing corner or border may indicate glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa or other non-macular conditions.

Left eye Cover your right eye with your palm

Same as before — stare only at the centre dot. Mark any areas where lines appear wavy, blurry, missing or distorted.

Brush

Click or tap and drag to mark distorted areas Chart 1 — standard

What did you notice? (select all that apply)

Wavy / distorted linesLines appear bent or curved — suggests metamorphopsia (macular disease)

Missing / faint linesLines absent or grey — may suggest scotoma or optic neuropathy

Blurry / dark patchBlurred area or dark spot in part of the grid

Nothing abnormalGrid appears completely normal — all lines straight and clear

Can you see all four corners and all four sides of the grid?

A missing corner or border may indicate glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa or other non-macular conditions.

Clinical assessment complete

Your results

Right eye

—

Left eye

—

Clinical interpretation reference

Finding	Likely cause	Action
Wavy / distorted lines	Metamorphopsia — macular disease (AMD, CNV)	Urgent ophthalmology review
Missing / faint lines	Scotoma — optic neuropathy or macular disease	Prompt clinical evaluation
Missing corner or border	Glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, chiasmal defect	Visual field assessment
Blurry central patch	Central scotoma — AMD, optic nerve disease	Dilated fundus examination
All lines straight & complete	Normal result for this screening	Continue weekly monitoring

Clinical disclaimer: The Amsler grid evaluates the central 20° of the visual field. It is principally useful for screening and monitoring macular disease. It is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination including dilated fundoscopy. Patients with macular disease may not notice gradual changes — regular professional review is essential. If you notice any new or worsening distortions, contact your optometrist or ophthalmologist promptly.

Amsler GridEye Test

Your results

Amsler Grid
Eye Test