Amsler Grid Self Test

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1. If you wear glasses, wear them for the test.
2. Cover one eye.
3. Hold the grid about 10 inches away from the eye you are testing.
4. Look at the center dot keeping your eye focused on it at all times.
5. While looking directly at the center, and only the center, be sure that all the lines are straight and all the small squares are the same size.
6. If you should notice any area on the grid that becomes distorted, blurred, discolored, or otherwise abnormal, have your eyes thoroughly examined right away.
7. Test each eye separately.

A few facts to consider:

• Over 2.5 million Americans are blind.
• The leading causes of blindness and permanent vision loss are: Macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy
• 40% to 50% of diabetics will develop diabetic retinopathy.
• Diabetic retinopathy often shows no symptoms until it is too late.
• Macular degeneration is the number one cause of central vision loss.
• Floaters and flashers may indicate serious eye disease.
• Half of all cases of blindness could have been prevented through early detection.
• Regular eye exams, including examination of the back of the eye through dilated pupils, are the best defense.