Amsler grid test
A simple check for macular degeneration and other problems with central vision. Mark any area where the grid looks wavy, blurry or missing.
For screening only. It does not replace an eye examination. If your vision changes, see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
Keep your eye on the centre dot. Click or drag on any area that looks wrong.
Assessment summary
What the Amsler grid detects
The grid helps find changes in your central vision that may point to a problem with the retina.
Wavy lines
Straight lines that look wavy or curved (metamorphopsia) can mean fluid or swelling in the macula. This is a key sign of wet age-related macular degeneration.
Urgency: new waviness is urgent. See an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) within days, not weeks.
Missing areas
Dark, blank or blurry patches (scotomas) suggest damage to the light-sensing cells of the macula. They may point to advanced dry AMD or other macular conditions.
Note: small blind spots can slowly grow. Regular testing helps you track changes.
Distorted squares
If the squares look different in size or shape, this may suggest early macular changes, an epiretinal membrane, or macular swelling from diabetes.
Regular self-testing
Eye doctors recommend testing with the Amsler grid once a week at home, especially if you are over 50 or have risk factors for AMD.
Tip: test at the same distance and in the same light each time, so changes are easy to spot.