Eye doctors use a simple device to test the early and progressive effects of Age-related Macular Degeneration. It's called an Amsler Grid.

The Amsler Grid is used in the doctor's office to detect changes in vision. Doctors also ask patients to test their own vision by posting the grid on the refrigerator or somewhere else at home. Then patients can report any changes they detect.

• Place the grid at approximately 12 inches from your eyes,
wearing glasses if you need them.

• Cover your left eye and look closely at the dot in the center of the grid.
Then cover your right eye and repeat the exercise.

• Are the lines straight or are they wavy and distorted?

• Does it seem like any pieces of the grid are missing or warped (like at bottom right)?

Click this link for a larger version of the Grid.