Question
When I focus my left eye on the center dot of the amsler grid, a transparent dot will cover the square block just left of the center dot. I can see the amsler grid lines inside the dot, but lines are smaller than outside the dot. If I look at a solid green object, the inside of the dot will be green, if its a red object the inside of the object will be red. This dot tracks my focus at all times. I am a healthy 72 year old male. My optamoligist tells me that I have dry macular and she checks it yearly. This condition has existed for one year. None of the many amsler grids that I've viewed are like my condition.
I appreciate your reply.
Thanks, Vern
Answer
The key question here is - was this dot like this the last time you saw your ophthalmologist? If she has not seen you since this dot started after your last dilated eye exam, you need to go back and be seen now.
If the dot was there the last time you saw the ophthalmologist and she is aware of the situation, examined your retina in the knowledge you had this amsler grid disturbance, and did not find any other testing necessary, then the disturbance must be a form of the dry macular degeneration she has already diagnosed. The idea of the Amsler grid is to pick up any NEW disturbances quickly. If something new shows up, you must have your retina examined to find out what is causing it.
The fact that the lines inside the dot are smaller than those outside does imply some form of maculopathy - but only your eye doctor can tell you what significance that has for you.
