What is an Amsler Grid?

[maritravel]

I've seen reference to an Amsler grid on one or two posts on these pages but I have no idea what it is. Could someone enlighten me, please? It sounds as though it is something I should have.

[rosyG]

Yes, it's a good way of keeping a check on your eyes. You can download a copy. You cover one eye and look at the spot in the centre. All the lines should be straight and the squares clear. If you have oedema in the eye, the lines look a bit wavy!!

[Hidden]

A tip - Mark your grid where any wavy lines are so next time you use it you can see any change.

I wonder why your eye clinic didn't tell you about the grid?

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear maritravel,

I am copying a link to our Guide to AMD. There is an Amsler grid on p. 21 and instructions on how to use it on p. 20:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

The Amsler grid is a useful tool which helps to identify if there are any changes in your eyes which need acting on.

For instance, 10-15% of people with dry AMD go on to develop wet AMD in the same eye. Therefore it is important that if an individual does notice any sudden eye changes, that they act rapidly and go to the optometrist so that they can check behind their eyes. Alternately, they can attend the emergency eye clinic usually located within the hospital. If the optometrist identifies possible wet AMD, then the Royal College of Ophthalmology guidelines indicate that they must do a fast track referral on the day of the appointment, via fax or email, straight through to the eye clinic, so that the individual can be seen and treated by 2 weeks. This therefore indicates the urgency of the situation. Treatment is usually via injection. It is wise to check an Amsler grid weekly to help gauge any sudden changes.

For those with stable wet AMD, it is useful to use the grid as it may help to highlight if their eye is becoming active again and needs further treatment.

Just to make you aware, we are currently offering free 6 month membership. This is a good way to keep up with current developments. Please ring us if you would like to benefit from this, or join via the following link:

macularsociety.org/6months

I hope that this addresses your query.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any further help. The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

[e-mail]

Kind regards,

[maritravel in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thank you very much for that information. I am already a member of the Macular Society having joined when first diagnosed but I think I've been inundated with so much information that I probably missed this in my reading of your excellent book.

I was given no information at the Clinic. In fact, it was only that I had read up about AMD and knew that I had to be seen quickly after my consultant diagnosed it, that I was able to insist on a more speedy appointment as the one offered to me was five weeks after the initial diagnosis. Unfortunately, receptionists at the assessment clinic in my area do not seem to be educated in the need for quick appointments but I have brought this to the attention of the consultant.

Thank you again for that information. I have not printed off the grid and will use it weekly as suggested. My next injection is on August 7th, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Mari

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Maritravel,

Do always contact us with any concerns, particularly regarding injection delays. We will do our best to help.

Kind regards,

Macular Society helpline

[Eyelet]

google.co.uk/url?sa=t&sourc...

I had copied and pasted this before I noticed another link had also been sent...oh well two grids .

[maritravel]

Thanks anyway, the more people who reply to queries the happier I feel. At least I don't feel I'm alone with my problems, so thank you.