What is an Amsler grid used for?

An Amsler grid is specifically designed to test for vision changes in the central visual field. It is a tool commonly used in clinical practice to help detect anomalies related to conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The grid consists of a series of horizontal and vertical lines forming a square pattern, with a central dot in the middle. Patients are asked to cover one eye and focus on the dot in the center, noting any distortions in the lines or missing areas in their vision.

If a patient observes any wavy lines, missing sections, or other visual disturbances while utilizing the Amsler grid, it may indicate problems in the macula or associated central visual processing areas. This makes it an invaluable tool in early detection and monitoring of central vision issues.

The other options, while relevant to vision testing and healthcare, do not align with the specific purpose of the Amsler grid. Testing peripheral vision typically involves different assessments, such as confrontational visual field tests. Assessing color blindness uses color plates like those found in the Ishihara test, which focuses on color perception rather than central visual field integrity. Measuring intraocular pressure is done using tonometry devices, which is unrelated to the assessment of central vision issues.