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Patient Education
Explore common eye conditions, symptoms, and treatment information
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Allergies
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Bacterial Keratitis
Blepharitis
Cataracts
Chalazaion
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Contact Lens Related Eye Infections
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dry Eye
Floaters and Flashes
Glaucoma
Keratoconus
Pinguecula/Pterygium
Stye
Uveitis/Iritis
Common Reasons for Glasses
Astigmatism
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Presbyopia (Aging Eye)
Amsler Grid: A Simple Way to Monitor Your Central Vision
The Amsler grid is a simple vision tool that can help detect changes in your central vision. It is commonly used by people with macular degeneration (AMD) to monitor their vision at home between eye examinations.
How to use the Amsler grid
- Wear your normal reading glasses, if you use them.
- Hold the grid at your normal reading distance in good lighting.
- Cover one eye.
- Look directly at the center dot.
- While looking at the dot, notice whether any lines appear wavy, blurry, distorted, dark, or missing.
- Repeat with the other eye.
What should you watch for?
The lines should appear straight and the boxes should look fairly even. A new area of distortion, waviness, blurriness, or missing vision can indicate a change in the macula.
Important: If you notice a new or sudden change on your Amsler grid, contact your eye doctor promptly. An Amsler grid does not replace regular dilated eye examinations or retinal imaging.
Floaters & Flashes
Floaters & Flashes: When Should You Be Concerned?
Eye floaters are small spots, strands, or cobweb-like shapes that drift through your vision. They are very common and often develop as the natural gel inside the eye, called the vitreous, changes with age.
Most floaters are harmless. However, new or suddenly increasing floaters can sometimes be a warning sign of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, especially when accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your vision.
Contact our office promptly if you notice:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- New flashes of light
- A dark curtain, veil, or shadow in your vision
- Sudden loss or change in vision
A dilated retinal examination can help determine whether your symptoms are related to normal vitreous changes or a retinal problem requiring treatment.
Experiencing new floaters or flashes? Contact San Carlos Eye Care for an evaluation.