You need a professional eye exam ASAP.   Don't listen to anyone on this list
who tells you otherwise.  It could be several things, but a sudden distortion
on the Amsler grid is NEVER normal.

this is a serious issue Glenn.

you were given the amsler's grid by your doctor who was concerned about
something happening in particular- perhaps you know what it was for.  the
grid is useful in detecting the beginning of changes that occur in the
macula, which is the most sensitive and most important part of the retina.

Regardless of why the doctor gave it to you, your acknowledgement that there
has been a sudden-onset distortion is exactly what the grid is used to
detect.  See your eye doctor ASAP.  Sounds like a retinal problem that might
go south fast without immediate attention.

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Dear Glen,
I am a professional, and as the previous writer advised, you do need to
see your eye doctor, right now!  This is a symptom that requires
immediate attention.
Presumably you have an amsler grid because your eye doctor gave it to
you with the instructions to check your vision with it regularly, and
to come in immediately if you noticed changes.  The amsler grid was
designed to detect problems on the retina, and sudden distortion
indicates that you may need immediate treatment.  Please don't delay.

One of the most common conditions the amsler grid is given to patients
for is to monitor AMD (Age relted macular degeneration).  This disease
of the aging eye usually manifests as "dry" macular degeneration, which
progresses slowly, causing central distortion, and eventually an ever
enlarging blind spot.  However the disease can suddenly transform into
"wet" macular degeneration, which involves leaking vessels and fluid
under the macula.  Wet AMD can cause very rapid vision loss, however,
when caught early it can often be treated  to minimize loss of vision.

This is NOT the only condition that can cause distortion on an amsler
grid, but  the symptoms you've described warrant a visit to your eye
doctor immediately.  Be certain when you call to tell the person
answering the phone that you've had a sudden vision change and need to
be seen immediately.