This is a very simple and practical test which can be applied by the patients themselves. The test is useful in the diagnosis of macular diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (yellow spot disease).

Figure 1. Amsler grid for monitoring age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  How it would appear normally (left), How it might appear to someone with AMD (right).

How the test is applied:

- Wear reading glasses if you use themand hold the paper with the dot in the centre at reading distance in a well-lit place.

- Cover one eye with your hand and look at the central point. Note whether or not you see the 4 corners and lines of the large square straight.

- Repeat the procedure with the other eye.

- If you see any loss of the corners or lines, waviness, breakage, cloudiness, intermittence or bending of the central lines (Figure 2), it means you have indications of macular disease. Consult your opthalmologist as soon as possible.