Amsler grid

System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

A printed grid of straight lines viewed one eye at a time: wavy, distorted or missing areas are reported by the patient (metamorphopsia).

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with disease of the central retina (macula), such as age-related macular degeneration.

◈ Behind the name

Marc Amsler (1891–1968), Swiss ophthalmologist.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.