The Amsler grid, used since 1945, is a grid of horizontal and vertical lines used to monitor a person's central visual field. The grid was developed by Marc Amsler, a Swissophthalmologist. It is a diagnostic tool that aids in the detection of visual disturbances caused by changes in the retina, particularly the macula (e.g. macular degeneration, Epiretinal membrane), as well as the optic nerve and the visual pathway to the brain. Amsler grid usually help detecting defects in central 20 degrees of the visual field.[2]
In the test, the person looks with each eye separately at the small dot in the center of the grid. Patients with macular disease may see wavy lines or some lines may be missing.
Amsler grids are supplied by ophthalmologists, optometrists or from web sites, and may be used to test one's vision at home.
The original Amsler grid was black and white. A color version with a blue and yellow grid is more sensitive and can be used to test for a wide variety of visual pathway abnormalities, including those associated with the retina, the optic nerve, and the pituitary gland.
In 1869, Jacob Hermann Knapp described scotoma and metamorphopsia in traumatic maculopathy with choroidal rupture using horizontal lines. Similarly in 1874, Richard Forster demonstrated metamorphopsia using a square grid.[3]
Swiss ophthalmologist Marc Amsler described the Amsler grid in the year 1945. It was the first functional test proposed to evaluate metamorphopsia.[4] He may have gotten the idea of the grid from Edmund Landolt, who used a similar small card with a grid pattern to be kept in the center of the visual field testing instrument perimeter.[3]
There are 7 types of Amsler grid charts. All charts measure 10 cm × 10 cm (3.9 in × 3.9 in), which when viewed at a distance of 33 cm (13 in) from the eye can be used to measure defects in the central 20 degrees of the visual field.[3]
Chart 1 is the basic version, which is the most familiar and widely used chart among all the charts. In this chart the grid consists of 0.5 cm squares (each for 1° visual field), which totally measures 10 cm X 10 cm size. Most commonly grid is in white color with black background.[3] Grid with black lines in white background is also available (see infobox picture).
Chart 3 is also identical to chart 1, but color is red on black. Stimulating long wavelength foveal cones, this type of chart may help in detecting color scotomas and desaturation which may occur in toxic maculopathies, toxic optic neuropathies and pituitary tumors etc.[9]
Chart 6 is similar to chart 5, but lines and central dot is in black on white background. The lines near to fixation points are closer than the chart 5.
Before starting the test, patient's near and distance vision should be corrected to normal. If the patient is wearing spectacles, testing should be done with glasses only especially if you have near glasses.
In a well illuminated room, ask the patient to hold the grid 12 to 15 inches away from the face.
Ask to cover one eye with hand or occluder and look directly at the center black dot.
While looking directly at the center dot, and observe the grid whether patient can see all corners and sides of grid. If any lines or areas look blurry, wavy, dark or blank mark that area in chart and consult ophthalmologist.
Follow the same steps with the other eye.
Always remember to keep the Amsler's Chart at the same distance from the eyes each time you test.
