Which home monitoring tool is used to assess stability in macular degeneration?

• A. Snellen chart at 20 feet.
• B. Visual field perimetry.
• C. Ishihara color test.
• D. Amsler grid for self-monitoring.

Answer: (D)

Central vision changes in macular degeneration are tracked at home with an Amsler grid because it directly reveals distortions and blind spots in the central retina. By focusing on the small center dot and looking at the grid with one eye at a time, a person can notice if any lines appear wavy, blurred, or if part of the grid disappears. New or increasing distortions suggest progression or instability of the disease and should prompt prompt evaluation by an eye care provider, often sooner than a routine visit.

Other options don’t fit for home monitoring of this condition. A Snellen chart at 20 feet measures distance visual acuity, which can decline for various reasons but doesn’t specifically track central macular stability day to day. Visual field perimetry maps peripheral vision and isn’t a practical home tool for central macular monitoring. The Ishihara color test checks color vision, not metamorphopsia or central scotomas, so it isn’t sensitive to early macular changes.