amlser grid

[froggiejump]

Is this a definitive test or just a starting point. If you have missing bits and stuff on this but field test is fine and dilated exam is fine, are you OK?

[JohnHaganMD]

You know I can't give you the reassurance you're looking for in this type of forum. I would say for you to make a list of your concerns especially about the amsler grid and call the ophthalmologists office on Monday and ask his/her staff to have tell you the answers. I think that's the only way you're going to get peace of mind. I really can't tell you any more than I have in the above conversation string.

JCH Eye MD

[froggiejump]

SORRY, I didn't explain myself very well. If the Amsler Grid was abnormal, but my retina looked fine during dilation etc, and the doctor didn't ask me to come back, could my eyes be OK?

[JohnHaganMD]

The amsler grid is a screening test done on the macula. It would not detect everything that possibly could be wrong. Other tests might include fluoroscene angiography, optical coherence tomography or ultrasound.

JCH Eye MD

[froggiejump]

Ok, doctor, I will try to find that out because it is bugging me! The test was done by an opthalmologist (the optometrist I saw first told me my problem was caused my a retinal tear and it would need to be lasered). I did not have that at all ...

THe opthalmologist told me the 10-2 test would measure my central vision, that's why I thought it was a follow-up to the Amsler Grid.

Would the Amsler Grid detect things that would not be apparent with a thorough dilated exam?

[John C Hagan]

They primarily test different things. The Field test is for peripheral vision, the amsler is for central vision. You should have been given an amsler grid to take home and check you eye daily with it to see if it changes.

Your best bet would be to call the person that did the test and ask why the amsler was abnormal and confirm that your macula (tested by the amsler grid) was normal.

If you examination was not done by an eye MD (ophthalmologist) and was by an optometrist (a limited care, non-physician eye care provider) I would see an ophthalmologist.

JCH MD

[froggiejump]

I can be more specific - I had a 10-2 field test and it was within normal range, but I could see all sorts of spots and missing bits on the Amsler Grid. The doctor didn't seem all that worried, but i am.

Does the Field Test override the Amsler Test.

[John C Hagan]

The amsler grid (use a Google search of this term to see the grid and examples of abnormal response) is a screening device. It is not a definitive test for many types of macular eye problems. Depending on the complexity of the problem a wide variety of additional tests may be necessary.

The most important thing is the actual examination done by the ophthalmologist (Eye MD) and the assessment he/she makes about the need for more tests.

JCH MD