People who have already been diagnosed with wet AMD should use the grid every day to check for changes in vision. Holes or spots in any areas of the grid If you already have wet AMD.Remember, if you experience any of these changes, make an appointment with your eye care specialist immediately: Check the grid daily, or as often as recommended by your eye care professional. The whole process may take only 10 seconds.The use of progressive, lineless bifocals may introduce some distortion in the grid. Blurred or double images might not necessarily be abnormal. Also note if the centre dot, a part of the dot, or any of the lines disappear. Note how the lines and squares appear and whether or not there are any distortions or breaks in the lines of the grid. Cover one eye and look at the dot in the center of the grid.If you wear bifocals, use the bottom or reading portion of the lens. You may find it convenient to attach the grid to a wall at and stand 12 inches to 14 inches away (generally a comfortable reading distance). Make sure you are in an area with good lighting, and hold or post the chart at eye level and at a comfortable distance.This way, you will be reminded to look at the test on a daily basis. Place an Amsler grid on your fridge or in another location you see often. However if you are concerned about AMD, and particularly if you have a family history, you are over 50, or you have other risk factors for the disease, you are encouraged to do the Amsler test on a regular basis. (You may need them even more often depending on your risk factors for AMD.) The Amsler Grid is not a substitute for regularly scheduled eye exams, which should take place at least once every two years, and at least once a year after the age of 50. This test is especially helpful for monitoring vision at home. While staring at the dot, the person will look for wavy lines and missing areas of the grid. A small dot is located in the center of the grid for the person taking the test to focus on. The Amsler test consists of a grid of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines. Remember that the Amsler Grid is not a substitute for regularly scheduled eye exams/tests, which should take place at least once every two years, especially after the age of 40.This simple screening tool is used for monitoring for early signs of wet AMD.Timely treatment is vital to safeguarding your vision. Do not wait to see if the changes will clear on their own. If you note any changes in the appearance of the grid, such as distortion, blurring, discoloration, dark or missing areas of the grid, or any other changes, call and see your eye doctor immediately.All of the lines should be straight and the squares of a uniform size. Mark the date on your Amsler Grid test.Note any blank areas, wavy lines, darker areas.You must keep your eye on the center dot at all times.Hold the grid at normal reading distance (about 14 inches).Wear your reading glasses or look through the reading portion of your bifocals (if you normally read with glasses).Test your vision with adequate lighting. Early detection is important because, the worse your macular degeneration gets, and the larger the area of leakage becomes, it becomes harder to treat you. The Amsler Grid tests the condition of the center of the retina or “macula.” It is a good test for screening for the development of “wet” macular degeneration or patients with “dry” macular degeneration. The Amsler Grid was developed decades ago by the Swiss ophthalmologist Marc Amslwer (1891-1968).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |