The Amsler grid is used to check whether lines look wavy or distorted, or whether areas of the visual field are missing. Testing your eyes with an Amsler grid is easy and takes only a few minutes. Here are the basic steps:
- Test your eyes under normal room lighting used for reading.
- Wear eyeglasses you normally wear for reading (even if you wear only store-bought reading glasses.
- Hold the Amsler grid approximately 14 to 16 inches from your eyes.
- Test each eye separately: Cup your hand over one eye while testing the other eye.
- Keep your eye focused on the dot in the center of the grid and answer these questions:
• Do any of the lines in the grid appear wavy, blurred or distorted?
• Do all the boxes in the grid look square and the same size?
• Are there any “holes” (missing areas) or dark areas in the grid?
• Can you see all corners and sides of the grid (while keeping your eye on the central dot)? - Switch to the other eye and repeat.