The Amsler Grid - question to the professionals

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Don W - 06 Oct 2007 17:35 GMT

From time to time, on this board, someone announces retinal problems. And
of course, they are interested in monitoring how well they are doing.
Outside of the OCT checkup performed from time to time in the ophthal's
office, I would think dedicated daily checks of this grid would be of high
priority. Seems like its use should be given more visability (hmmm) here,
in this group. Why not?

Don W.

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Dr. Leukoma - 06 Oct 2007 19:55 GMT

> From time to time, on this board, someone announces retinal problems. And
> of course, they are interested in monitoring how well they are doing.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Don W.

The Amsler will tell you if a problem is present. The OCT can
actually diagnose what it is. But, I still give out Amsler grids to
patients with certain retinopathies that are not at the stage of
treatment.

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Don W - 08 Oct 2007 19:51 GMT

> The Amsler will tell you if a problem is present. The OCT can
> actually diagnose what it is. But, I still give out Amsler grids to
> patients with certain retinopathies that are not at the stage of
> treatment.

OK on what the OCT can discern. But the Amsler , being a test that gives
an "early warning" of symptoms, seems like this test should be more in
vogue.
Especially those patients that are over 50. Should be a standard passout by
the eye doctor's offices.

Don W.

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p.clarkii@gmail.com - 16 Oct 2007 07:52 GMT

> Especially those patients that are over 50. Should be a standard passout by
> the eye doctor's offices.

that's kind of overstating it's value. it is useful as a "first
alert" at-home test for somebody at high risk for retinal problems, or
with existing retinal problems. e.g. histoplasmosis syndrome,
diabetic retinopathy, etc.

not necessary for everybody over age 50.

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Don W - 16 Oct 2007 21:11 GMT

>> Especially those patients that are over 50. Should be a standard passout
>> by
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> not necessary for everybody over age 50.

Of course, not necessary for everybody. But so easy a early warning test,
so easy to do, and so cheap, and with the potential rewards in an age
bracket so prone to MD (macular degeneration) problems, it is hard not to
justify not passing out the test just as a matter of "practice". MD
problems occur spontaneously .

Don W.

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