It is important that patients be aware of what they are seeing
with each eye. If a patient can detect a problem with vision
very early, the chance of saving eyesight with laser surgery is
much greater. Once the macula has been damaged, laser surgery is
generally not as helpful. For this reason, everyone should test
the vision in each eye, separately, each day.
One way to test vision in order to detect even small changes when
they first appear is to use the amsler grid. Follow these
instructions:
- Wear your reading glasses and hold the Amsler grid
at a normal reading distance.
- Cover one eye.
- Look at the center dot and keep
looking at it at all times.
- While looking directly at the center,
be sure that all the lines are straight and all the small squares
are the same size.
- If you should notice any changes on the grid such as distortion,
blur, discoloration, or other abnormality, and it stays that way
for a few days, call and see your eye doctor right away.
- Be sure to test the other eye in the same manner.
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