Amsler Grid

Your vision can change for a number of reasons, and recognising the warning signs early is important in protecting your eyesight. Never ignore a sudden or unexplained change in your vision.

Contact your eye care professional promptly if you notice:

• Straight lines appearing wavy, bent or distorted.

• New dark spots, blank areas or blurred patches in the centre of your vision.

• New or worsening difficulty reading, recognising faces or seeing fine details.

• A gradual change in your vision, even if it seems minor.

If you notice changes when using an Amsler grid, contact your ophthalmologist or optometrist urgently for advice. Do not wait until your next routine appointment.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden loss or significant deterioration of vision.

• New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters (spots, specks or cobweb-like shapes).

• A dark shadow or curtain moving across your vision.

• Sudden, severe eye pain, particularly with redness, blurred vision, nausea or headache.

• Sudden changes in vision, increasing pain or redness following eye surgery or an eye injection.

These symptoms may indicate a serious eye condition that requires urgent assessment. Attend your nearest emergency department immediately if you experience sudden vision loss or symptoms suggestive of a retinal detachment.

If you are concerned about a change in your vision, seek medical advice rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. Early assessment and treatment can help protect your sight.