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AMD & the Amsler Grid

Until the introduction of the ForeseeHome, the only home monitoring method has been the Amsler Grid. The Amsler Grid has long been the standard recommendation for frequent monitoring of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Unfortunately, by the time a patient notices distortion on the Amsler Grid, vision loss has already progressed.

 

Normal	Signs of Wet AMD

 

The ForeseeHome AMD Monitor is not affected by the following distinct limitations of the Amsler Grid.

 

Completion
The brain automatically compensatesfor a certain amount of visual distortion by correcting or completing missing information, therefore masking some visual defects. In contrast, the ForeseeHome AMD Monitor utilizes technology that can identify visual defects before your brain can complete the missing information.

 

Crowding
The brain perceives details in peripheral vision more clearly when they are isolated from competing information. When viewing the Amsler Grid, your brain can mask subtle distortions that might appear at the grid's periphery. The ForeseeHome AMD Monitor utilizes technology that can detect peripheral distortions accurately.

 

Fixation
The human fovea (center of macula) constantly scans the entire visual field to gather detailed information that the brain uses to create a seemingly clear picture. When using the Amsler Grid, a patient is instructed to focus on the point in the center and look for distortions in their peripheral vision. However, fixation is incredibly difficult as most patients look at the central point in the grid while involuntarily scanning the rest of the grid with the fovea. The ForeseeHome AMD Monitor overcomes fixation problems by randomly flashing visual stimuli that prevents scanning with the fovea.