Evaluation of the transilluminated Amsler grid for macula testing in cataract patients

A transilluminated, modified Amsler grid was used for evaluation of the macula in 80 cataract patients of whom 19 had abnormal maculas. The results were compared to those obtained with a commonly used test: colour perception. As control of the tests the post-operative visual acuity and ophthalmoscopic macula inspection was used. Of the diseased maculas 68% were identified by the Amsler grid test and only 32% by the colour perception test. Both tests identified a high proportion of normal maculas: 90% by Amsler grid test and 89% by colour perception test. A pathological response to the Amsler grid test indicated a 68% probability of macular disease, and a normal test result indicated a 90% probability of normal macula. Only the Amsler grid test however is not applicable to all cataract patients: Of originally 110 patients taken in for this test, 30 patients (27%) could not see the grid at all, whereas all 110 patients could be tested with the colour perception test.