Amsler Grid

The Amsler grid is a useful tool to detect vision problems resulting from damage to the macula (the central part of the retina).

Report any irregularity to your eye care professional immediately.

The grid does not replace having your macula tested by an eye care professional, particularly if you are over 50 yrs old or have any risk factors for macular degeneration.

Amsler Grid

How to do it

  1. Cover one eye, then focus on the dot in the centre.
  2. Do any of the lines look wavy, blurred or distorted?
  3. Are there any missing areas or dark areas in the grid?
  4. Don't forget to test
    both eyes.

Newsletters & Sign-up

Macular Degeneration New Zealand produces and distributes the Viewpoint newsletter 3 or 4 times a year. This informative newsletter contains a wealth of information on the latest research, healthy living tips and more.

Sign-up to the Macular Degeneration newsletter on the right and browse previous issues below.
 

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Learn more about Macular Degeneration

Find out how MD affects the lives of real New Zealanders. Watch the video, learn about the risks and see how MD is a growing problem in our society.

 

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 Video  

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Map: Where is MD in NZ?

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a growing problem in NZ. Total prevalence is predicted to be 206,908 in 2018.

View more

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Getting tested is simple

There is a quick and easy way to tell if MD affects your vision.  Click on the link below to see if you have the common warning signs.

Test Button

  MDNZ Website 3steps

What you need to know

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What's the chance?

In New Zealand MD affects 1 in 7 people over the age of 50 years

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Smoking

Smokers have 3 times the risk of developing MD and tend to develop MD 10 years earlier than non-smokers

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Is it getting worse?

It is estimated the number of people with MD will increase by 70% by 2030
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More common than you think

Age related Macular Degeneration is the most common cause of blindness

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You need to know!

Of those most at risk (50+) 67% have heard of MD and only 48% understand that it is an eye disorder. *Galaxy Poll March 2014

People with a family history of MD have a 50% chance of inheriting the genetic predisposition of developing MD.

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What if I don't have treatment?

Untreated, the majority of people with wet MD become functionally blind within 2 years

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Stories

Colin's Story

As a writer, and an occasional artist, my first reaction to being told that I had Macular Degeneration was to think what life would be like if I couldn’t see all that was around me.
Read Story

Lorraine's Story

When the specialist told me I would need an injection in my eye, it just about sent me to the moon! I really didn't like the idea but told myself I'd have to be big and brave about it.

Read Story

Eric's Story

Retired Gisborne cartoonist and graphic designer has spent a lifetime creating fine art work but did not start wearing glasses until the age of 84.  After trying on a pair of his late wife's glasses one day he was surprised how much clearer everything was so had his eyes checked.    He was in for another surprise, they found a serious defect in his right eye - he had macular degeneration.     Read Eric's story....

“In April 2008 after 4 monthly treatments of Lucentis
my sight had not only stabilized, but improved...”