Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

The Amsler grid is used for the assessment of

1. Color vision

2. Depth perception

3. Visual acuity

4. Macular function

The correct answer is: Macular function

The Amsler grid is specifically used for the assessment of macular function. The grid contains a central point and a grid pattern that allows patients to detect any distortion, blurred areas, or missing areas in their central visual field. This tool is commonly used in the evaluation of macular conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and macular edema. Option A (Color vision) is incorrect because the Amsler grid is not used to assess color vision. Color vision is typically evaluated using tests like the Ishihara color plates. Option B (Depth perception) is incorrect because the Amsler grid is not designed to test depth perception. Depth perception is the ability to see the world in three dimensions and is usually assessed through tests like the Worth 4-dot test. Option C (Visual acuity) is incorrect because while visual acuity can be measured using tools like the Snellen chart or the Jaeger card, the Amsler grid is specifically used to assess macular function and not overall visual acuity.