What does the Amsler grid show?

The state of central vision — the macula (centre of the retina). If, looking at the central dot, you see wavy lines, dark or missing areas, or blur, that is a sign of possible macular changes (for example age-related degeneration). The test helps notice them early.

How often should I check?

People with risk factors (age 50+, macular degeneration in the family, an existing diagnosis) are often advised by ophthalmologists to check regularly — up to daily, one eye at a time. Your doctor will suggest the exact frequency.

What if the lines are distorted?

See an ophthalmologist promptly, especially if the distortion appeared recently or in one eye only. Early macular changes respond better to monitoring and treatment. If central vision distorts suddenly, seek care urgently.

Do I need to print the Amsler grid?

Not necessarily — you can take the check right on the screen, held at reading distance. A printed version is handy if you want to put the grid on the fridge and check daily from memory. The key is constant conditions: the same distance, lighting and reading glasses, so you can compare day to day.

Amsler test online: a grid to self-check the centre of the retina

The Amsler grid is a simple self-check of central vision (the macula, the centre of the retina). You look at a dot in the centre of a grid and notice any distortion: wavy lines, blurred or dark areas, missing cells. It is an important home test for age-related macular degeneration and other macular changes. It is a guide, not a diagnosis.

Hold the screen at reading distance (~30–40 cm). Cover one eye and look strictly at the dot in the centre of the grid, then answer for that eye.

Eye

Looking at the central dot, do you notice (for this eye):

Why the Amsler grid matters

The centre of the retina (macula) is responsible for sharp central vision — reading, faces, detail. When it is damaged, straight lines may look wavy and parts of the image may drop out or blur. The Amsler grid lets you notice such changes early and monitor them at home, especially over 50 and with risk factors.

How to check

One eye at a time, in reading glasses if you wear them:

hold the screen at reading distance (~30–40 cm), good lighting;
cover one eye, look strictly at the central dot with the other;
without moving your gaze from the dot, assess the surrounding lines — any waves, spots, gaps;
repeat for the other eye; compare with previous checks.

What the result means

If all lines are straight, cells are in place and the centre is not distorted — that is a good sign. Any distortion (waviness, dark/blank areas, blur) is a reason to see an ophthalmologist promptly, especially if it appeared recently or in one eye.

The Amsler grid does not replace a fundus exam or OCT, but it helps catch changes between visits. If central vision distorts suddenly, seek care urgently.

Frequently asked questions

The state of central vision — the macula (centre of the retina). If, looking at the central dot, you see wavy lines, dark or missing areas, or blur, that is a sign of possible macular changes (for example age-related degeneration). The test helps notice them early.
People with risk factors (age 50+, macular degeneration in the family, an existing diagnosis) are often advised by ophthalmologists to check regularly — up to daily, one eye at a time. Your doctor will suggest the exact frequency.
See an ophthalmologist promptly, especially if the distortion appeared recently or in one eye only. Early macular changes respond better to monitoring and treatment. If central vision distorts suddenly, seek care urgently.
Not necessarily — you can take the check right on the screen, held at reading distance. A printed version is handy if you want to put the grid on the fridge and check daily from memory. The key is constant conditions: the same distance, lighting and reading glasses, so you can compare day to day.

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The Amsler grid is a home self-check, not diagnostics. It does not replace a fundus exam or OCT. If central vision distorts, see an ophthalmologist; if suddenly — urgently.