Printable Amsler Grid

An Amsler Grid is used to self-monitor the vision for evidence of distortion in the vision, or for seeing small blind spots in the vision. In certain retinal conditions such as macular degeneration, the periodic viewing of the grid may help an individual to notice a potentially harmful change in the vision. Thus, it is an early detection tool. It is also useful in monitoring the vision when taking certain medications, such as Plaquenil.

You can download or view an Amsler Grid from this page. For examples of abnormalities that may be seen on the grid, go to Amsler Grid Abnormality Examples.

Go here to view the Amsler Grid, to save it to your hard drive, or to print it. Be sure that when it is printed that you make the following specifications in the "page setup", if available:

• Maintain aspect ratio - yes.
• Use full page - yes.
• Center image - yes.

View the grid in a well illuminated area using your normal optical correction (glasses or contact lenses, and reading glasses or bifocals if applicable).

• Hold the grid at normal reading distance (16 inches), and cover one eye at a time.
• Look at the center dot in the grid.
• While staring at the central spot, see if there is any distortion of lines, or any missing lines on the chart. Be sure that the spot itself does not disappear when looked directly at.
• If there is an abnomality or a change in an existing abnormality when observing the grid, report this to your eye physician.