Amsler Grid Test
en

Printable Amsler grid

A full-size Amsler grid with the instructions on the page. Print it, check it with a ruler, and keep it where you will see it.

Choose your grid

To save it as a PDF, choose “Save as PDF” as the printer.

Screen size not set. The grid size is approximate.

Match a card to set your screen size

Hold any bank card, ID card or driver's license flat against the screen. Drag the slider until the outline is exactly as wide as the card. Nothing about the card is read or stored.

Card

Amsler grid

  1. Wear your reading glasses. Hold the page 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm) from your eyes in good light.
  2. Cover one eye. Look at the center dot and keep looking at it.
  3. Notice whether any lines look wavy, blurry, dark or missing.
  4. Repeat with the other eye.

Check the scale: the grid must measure exactly 10 cm (3 15/16 in) on each side.

If anything looks wavy, blurry or missing, or has changed, call your eye doctor right away.

Date: ____________________   amslergridtest.com

How to print the Amsler grid at the right size

  1. Choose the colors and line thickness above. Black on white suits most people and uses the least ink.
  2. Press the print button. In the print window, set the scale to 100% or “Actual size”. Do not use “Fit to page”.
  3. Print on letter or A4 paper.
  4. Measure the grid with a ruler. It must be 10 cm (3 15/16 inches) on each side. If it is not, the scale setting is wrong: change it and print again.

How to use the printed grid

  1. Tape it to a wall or the fridge at eye level, where the light is even and there is no glare.
  2. Put on your reading glasses and stand or sit so your eyes are 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm) from the grid.
  3. Cover one eye. Look at the center dot and keep looking at it.
  4. Notice whether any lines look wavy, blurry, dark or missing, and whether you can see all four corners.
  5. Repeat with the other eye.

If anything looks wavy, blurry or missing, or has changed since last time, call your eye doctor right away.

Large-print Amsler grid

The large-print option keeps the grid the same size, because the size of the squares is part of the test. It makes the lines and the center dot thicker so they are easier to see with low vision. If you cannot see the dot at all, add the diagonal lines and look at the place where they would cross.

The record sheet

The optional second page has a small grid for each eye. Draw what you saw and write the date, then take the page to your next appointment. The small grids are for notes only. Do the test on the full-size grid.

No printer? Take the Amsler grid test on this screen. It is drawn at true size and saves your results for you.

Printing questions

Is there an Amsler grid PDF?

Yes. Press the print button and choose “Save as PDF” as the printer. The PDF keeps the true size, as long as you later print it at 100% scale.

What size should a printed Amsler grid be?

10 cm by 10 cm (3 15/16 inches), with squares of 5 mm. Measure it after printing. A grid that is too small or too large checks the wrong area of your vision.

Where can I get an Amsler grid?

Print this one for free, or use the online test. Eye doctors and macular degeneration charities also give out printed grids, some as fridge magnets.

Where should I keep the grid?

Somewhere you look every day, such as the fridge door or beside the bathroom mirror, at eye level and in good light. Seeing it is what reminds most people to test.