The Amsler grid test is most useful for detecting which type of visual disturbance in macular disease?

• A Absolute scotoma in the peripheral visual field
• B Metamorphopsia (distortion of straight lines) indicating central macular pathology ✓
• C Colour vision defects secondary to optic nerve disease
• D Contrast sensitivity loss in glaucoma

Explanation

The Amsler grid (a 10×10 cm grid of horizontal and vertical lines with a central fixation dot) detects metamorphopsia — the distortion of straight lines into wavy, irregular, or missing lines — which is a hallmark of central macular pathology such as age-related macular degeneration (especially wet AMD), epiretinal membrane, macular hole, and central serous chorioretinopathy. It tests the central 20 degrees of visual field at 30 cm. It does not assess peripheral fields, colour vision, or contrast sensitivity.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.