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    • Language
      • English
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      • Chinese
      • Greek
      • Italian
      • Portuguese
      • Spanish
      • Vietnamese
    • Home
    • Macular Disease
      • Macular Degeneration
        • About Macular Degeneration
        • Check My Macula
        • What Happens?
        • Risk Factors
        • Prevention
        • Detection
        • Diagnosis
        • Treatment
        • Charles Bonnet Syndrome
        • Cataracts and Macular Degeneration
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Diabetic Retinopathy
        • About Diabetic Retinopathy
        • About Diabetes
        • What Happens?
        • Risk Factors
        • Prevention
        • Detection
        • Diagnosis
        • Treatment
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Low Vision
        • Living with Low Vision
        • Carer and Family
        • Aids and Technology
        • Slips, Trips and Falls
        • Legal blindness
      • Other Macular Diseases
        • Best Disease
        • Macular Hole
        • Macular Pucker
        • Macular Telangiectasia
        • Myopic Macular Degeneration
        • Retinal Detachment
        • Retinitis Pigmentosa
        • Retinal Vein Occlusion
        • Stargardt Disease
        • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC)
        • Posterior Vitreous Detachment and Floaters
        • Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome
      • Visit Eye Health Professional
        • Eye Injection Costs and Rebates
      • Macular Disease
        • Anti-VEGF injections for macular disease
    • Research
      • Research Grants Program
        • Research Grants Awarded
        • Research Grant Recipients
        • Apply for the 2021 MDFA Research Grants Program
        • Research Grants Panel
      • Support Research
      • Latest Research
        • Research News
        • MDFA Research
        • Macular Diseases
        • Understanding Research
        • Social Impact
      • Research Updates
        • Annual Research Update
        • Weekly Research Updates for Professionals
      • Research studies
        • Research participants needed in the Canberra region who enjoy art and have vision loss
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      • Order Publications and Resources
      • Find a Healthcare Provider
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        • Podcasts
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  • Amsler Grid
Back

Amsler Grid

People over the age of 50 should test for symptoms of macular degeneration at home once a week using an Amsler grid.
 
Those already diagnosed with macular degeneration (or early signs of the disease) should use the Amsler grid every day.
 
The Amsler grid is an essential, ‘easy to use’ self-monitoring tool that can detect changes in your vision. This card has a printed grid with a dot right at its centre and a magnet on the back so that it can be affixed to your fridge.
 

P_Amsler_grid.jpg

How to use the Amsler grid:

  • Wear the glasses or contact lenses you normally use for reading
  • Hold the Amsler grid at normal reading distance in a well-lit room
  • Fully cover one eye then use the uncovered eye to focus on the centre dot
  • Repeat the process with the other eye.
 
When used in this way, one eye at a time, potential issues can be identified in individual eyes. These changes may include distortion of lines – for example, straight lines may appear wavy or bent. Additionally, dark or empty spaces may appear. 
 
The Amsler grid should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis. Any sudden changes in vision noticed while using an Amsler grid should be reported immediately to the eye health professional. 

Order your free Amsler grid

A free magnetised Amsler grid is available from Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA). Order now >>
 
We also provide three levels of Macular Degeneration Information Kits. These all include a magnetised Amsler grid and can be ordered online following the links below.
 
Basic
Secondary
Comprehensive
 
You can also contact MDFA on National Helpline: 1800 111 709 
 
 
 
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