During an eye exam, an eye care specialist might instruct the patient to focus on an Amsler grid, a design similar to a checkerboard. The patient covers one eye and concentrates on a central black dot within the grid. While fixating on this dot, the patient might observe that the straight lines appear distorted or wavy, which is considered abnormal. This distortion can serve as a crucial warning signal for a condition known as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The macula, located in the eye, is essential for central vision and often deteriorates after the age of 60, leading to AMD. The appearance of wavy lines on the Amsler grid is an early indicator of the severe "wet" form of AMD, which requires prompt laser surgery to protect vision. While the Amsler grids shown here are smaller, full-sized versions are available at an eye specialist's office and can be provided for home use.
