Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness

At a distance of about 12 inches, look at the grid (Amsler Grid); cover one eye and look at the white dot in the center.

• Can you see the center spot?
• Can you see all four sides without taking your eye from the center spot?
• Can you see the entire grid?
• Are there any defects in the grid?
• Are the lines straight and parallel?
• Do any of the lines bend in anyway?
• Does any portion of the grid look blurred?
• Is the grid distorted?
• Is there any movement in the grid?

Repeat for the other eye. Bear in mind that this test is not meant to be used in lieu of an examination by an eye doctor. If you have any concerns about your vision because of this test or otherwise, you should schedule an examination with your eye doctor.

This test using the Amsler Grid is used in determining the presence of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a disease associated with age and in fact, in the United States, it is a disease that affects some 10 million people over the age of 50.