Amsler Grid Test

Introduction

Eyes are our cameras to the world around us. Whatever we lay our sight on, gets imprinted in the anatomical camera. Just like the artificial camera needs regular cleaning to generate clear results so also do our eyes. In fact their health is affected by many conditions; diabetes being one.

Diabetes is perhaps a fountainhead for the maximum numbers of complications, varying form those of the eyes to that of skin. Keeping blood sugars normal is the best way to avoid these complications. But to protect our window to the world from being covered by blinds, it is necessary to go for comprehensive eye exams every year, or as directed by the family doctor.

It would be surprising to know that in diabetes some of the most dangerous threats to vision come with little or no prior warning. They can only be detected, when examined with an ophthalmoscope; which is necessary to initiate treatment before sight becomes seriously hampered.

Testing The Eye

There are different devices used to examine the eye— indirect ophthalmoscope, keratometer, direct ophthalmoscope, slit lamp, applanation tonometer, etc being a few of them. Many of the physicians take extra time to examine the entire retina in patients of diabetes, to rule out possibilities of vision complications. But sometimes a detailed examination is not done. This is the time when patients should take the responsibility up on themselves to get their eyes thoroughly examined. They need to discuss with their doctor whether they need to visit an ophthalmologist—they are trained to pick out inaccuracies in the eye. Simple self-examinations may also prove to be extremely helpful in finding out the problem.

Self-Examination

Patients of diabetes can identify changes in their eyesight. One simple way of doing this is by using the Amsler grid test.

Developed by Marc Amsler to allow patients to test their own central (reading) vision for early signs of retinal disease, which may be treatable, the test consists of a grid of vertical and horizontal lines, with a dot in the center that acts like a fixation.

It helps detect problems with vision, caused by poor control, macular edema, or a detached retina. The test is simple handy and can be carried anywhere. People who have diabetes should test their eyes regularly, and as soon as they notice any change they should seek the doctor’s help.

Do remember

It is necessary to keep the following instructions in mind while testing eyes:

• The test should be carried out in adequate light.
• If you already use spectacles, wear them and look through the reading portion of the glasses.
• The Amsler grid should be held at a normal reading distance (25 cm).
• Cover one eye at a time with the palm of your hand. Do not in any event press your eye hard.
• All your concentration should be held by the center dot in the chart.
• Do not allow your eye to drift from the dot.

Once the test is through as yourself if any of the lines were bent, crooked, curved, blurry, or missing and if the boxes seemed to be of different size or shape from the others?

If the answer is in the affirmative, consult your doctor immediately. These changes may indicate leakage or bleeding in the back of the eye, which causes the retina to swell.

The Amsler grid cannot replace routine eye exams, nor does a normal test rule out the possibility of diabetic retinopathy that is a serious threat to your vision. Only regular eye exams done by an expert will help us draw the blinds away from our looking glass.