Amsler Grid

The Amsler Grid is used to test the macula, the very central part of the retina. The test is simply a grid made of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines. A small dot is located in the center of the grid for fixation. Simply follow the instructions below. Click here to open a print-friendly version of he Amsler Grid and instructions.

While focusing on the dot in the center of the grid, with one eye covered, ask yourself the following questions:
• Am I able to see the corners and sides of the square?
• Do I see any wavy lines?
• Are there any holes or missing areas?

If the lines of the grid do not look straight or areas appear to be missing or distorted, you should inform a retinal specialist.

Click here to read more about the Amsler Grid and to view examples of how the grid may appear if there is a disturbance in macula tissue.