Amsler Grid Testing

Question 1

Amsler grid tests ___

Answer 1

Central vision quality and macular function.

Question 2

Tests only central ___ degrees of vision

Answer 2

20

Question 3

Scotomas

Answer 3

A loss of vision due to a malfunction of the photoreceptors.

Question 4

Absolute scotoma

Answer 4

No sensitivity to light, so therefore no vision. The patient reports a black area of no vision. There are areas of the grid that are not seen.

Question 5

Relative scotoma

Answer 5

A decreased sensitivity to light, therefore a dimness of vision. The patient reports a blur or a graying of the vision. There are areas of the grid that are hard to see.

Question 6

Metamorphopsia

Answer 6

A disturbance to light caused by a physical change in the retina. There is a distortion of the vision. The patient reports a distortion of the lines of the amsler grid.

Question 7

How far must amsler be held away from the pt and why?

Answer 7

30cm, to ensure that the 20 degree field is correctly centered.

Question 8

When to do amsler testing-

Answer 8

Older patients, who are at high risk for macular degeneration.
Patient at high risk for new blood vessel growth in the macula- diabetics, people with histoplasmosis.
Patients taking high risk meds
Patients with unexplained decreased vision

Question 9

How to read an amsler grid

Answer 9

Pt fills out any distortion or missing areas from their point of view.