For patients at risk for macular degeneration – either due to family history, age or early signs of the disease – an eye doctor will often provide the patient with an Amsler grid. The Amsler grid is simply a piece of paper with a grid of straight horizontal and vertical lines that allows a patient to test their central vision each day (click here for to link to a printable Amsler grid). By using the grid, you may find changes in your vision that you wouldn't notice otherwise. Putting the grid on the front of your refrigerator is a good way to remember to look at it each day.

To use the grid:

• Wear your reading glasses and hold this grid at 12-15 inches in good light.
• Cover one eye.
• Look directly at the center dot with the uncovered eye.
• While looking directly at the center dot, note whether all lines of the grid are straight or if any areas are distorted, blurred or dark.
• Repeat this procedure with the other eye.
• If any area of the grid looks wavy, blurred or dark, contact your eye doctor immediately.