Macular Degeneration

• What is Macular Degeneration?
• Two Forms of Macular Degeneration
• Amsler Grid Self Test
• Fluorescein Angiography
• Wet Macular Degeneration Treatment
• Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment

Amsler Grid Self Test

One reliable way for a person who has had laser treatment to measure changes is to learn to use the Amsler grid self test with the large “X”. It may take some practice to learn to do the test without difficulty and accurately, but with this simple test, using a piece of paper and a pencil, the spot that was caused by the laser can be traced. By tracing it every day, it will be immediately evident when the spot has gotten bigger, or if a new spot has occurred somewhere else. If this happens, it usually indicates that the abnormal blood vessels have recurred. A person who has had successful laser treatment must use the Amsler grid everyday for the rest of his or her life. If there is a change, see your eye doctor promptly.

We recommend you make copies of the Amsler grid and use your copies for drawing the spot. Use the Amsler grid recording chart to test your vision each day.

1. Wear your reading glasses.
2. Cover the opposite eye.
3. Look at the center dot (the center of the crossing “X”) and keep your eye focused on the center at all times
4. While looking directly at the center and only the center, draw the area of abnormality.
5. Use different colored pencil for each day of the week. Change the test sheets each week. At the bottom of the sheet write the date of each test with the same colored pencil for that day. In this way, each Amsler sheet of paper will show a record of your vision each day for one week.
6. Bring your Amsler tests to your next exam.
7. If you see that the area of abnormality is getting bigger or changing–please call right away.