Amsler Grid Test for the diagnosis and early detection of Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The Amsler Grid Test is a simple and important tool for the diagnosis and early detection of macular degeneration at the retina of the eye. By looking at a grid image, the first signs of macular degeneration can be detected. If the disease is suspected, an ophthalmologist should be consulted in any case.

Macular degeneration: introduction

The term macular degeneration refers to a group of diseases that affect the macula lutea (so-called “yellow spot”) of the eye. In the macula, photoreceptors are present in large numbers and thus enable sharp vision.

In the course of the disease, the photoreceptors die irreversibly and vision deteriorates progressively. In western industrial nations, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness.

Diagnosis with the Amsler Grid Test

The Amsler Grid Test is one of the tests used for the diagnosis and early detection of macular degeneration. You can easily perform this test on your PC or with the Bayer “AugenPass” app. By looking at the grid image, the first irregularities or distortions in the field of vision can be detected.

Observe the following instructions when carrying out the Amsler Grid Test:

• If you wear glasses or contact lenses, use them during the test as well.
• The Amsler Grid Test must be performed separately for both eyes. Therefore, cover one eye and fix the image with the other eye individually at a distance of 35 to 40 centimetres.
• With the open eye, fixate the black dot in the centre in the middle of the grid.
• With a healthy eye, all grid lines appear straight, all corners are visible and the squares are the same size

Do not hesitate to see an ophthalmologist

If one or more of the following occur, you should not hesitate to see an ophthalmologist. These include:

• The dot in the middle is not visible
• Bent and distorted lines
• Squares of different sizes
• Missing corners of the image
• A grey veil covering the image
• “Holes” or empty spaces in the image

PDF with the Amsler Grid Test for early detection of Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Important: The Amsler Grid Test does not replace an examination by an ophthalmologist. It can only give you an indication of a possible eye disease.

Even if you do not notice any restriction, this does not rule out an eye disease.

It is also recommended that everyone over the age of 40 should have their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist once a year.

Amsler Grid Test printout

Here is the test to print out as a PDF: Amsler Grid Test