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Amsler-Grid Test
Amsler-Grid Test
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Amsler-Grid Test
Category: Eye.
Subcategory: topic titleective tests.
Estimated cost of test: Generally no charge when part of a routine eye examination.
Patient time for test: 5-10 minutes.
Reliability of test results: Good.
Available as home self-test? Yes. See Visual-Acuity Tests.
Note: Test screens central area of vision. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them to the examination.
BEFORE THE TEST
Purpose of test:
Detects blind or partially blind spots in the macular* area of the retina.
Evaluates macular disease*.
Where is test performed?
Commercial laboratory, hospital, doctor's office.
Who performs test?
Technician, nurse, doctor, optician, optometrist.
Risks and precautions:
Test should be done on undilated pupils.
Keep your uncovered eye fixed on the central black dot on the grid.
Patient preparation:
Activity--No changes necessary.
Diet--No changes necessary.
Medicines--No changes necessary.
Disrobing--None required.
THE TEST
Sensory factors:
Feeling--Some degree of apprehension or fear is normal and should be expected. Discomfort disappears when the test is finished.
Seeing--You will see the Amsler grid.
Other senses (hearing, taste, touch, smell)--Not affected.
Equipment used:
Amsler grid--Grid composed of horizontal and vertical lines that form 5mm squares and a central black dot.
Hand-held occluder.
Disposable tissues or disposable eyepatches.
Description of test:
Sit upright.
Cover one eye, then the other.
Stare at the black dot in the center.
Answer the examiner's questions.
AFTER THE TEST
Immediate post-test care:
None.
Activity after test:
Abnormal results call for further tests, such as ophthalmoscopy, visual-acuity testing, and fluorescein tests on blood vessels of the eye.
Time before test results available: Immediate.
TEST RESULTS
Test values:
Test results are determined by examiner's interpretation.
Normal values:
Ability to see the central black dot, all four sides of the grid and all the small squares.
Lines should appear straight.
There should be no blurring, distortion or missing squares.
What ABNORMAL may indicate:
Inability to see black dot indicates central scotoma*.
Lines that don't appear straight indicates metamorphopsia*.
Blurring and/or distortion indicates a developing scotoma*.
Taking these drugs may affect test results:
None expected.
Other factors that may affect test results:
Failure to cooperate.
Failure to keep your uncovered eye fixed on the central dot.
Seeing the bright light of a retinoscope or ophthalmoscope before the test.
*See Glossary.
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From Complete Guide to Medical Tests by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Fisher Books. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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