Vision loss without Amsler grid abnormalities in macular subretinal neovascularization.

An 87-year-old woman, with known atrophic senile macular degeneration in one eye, had isolated decreased reading ability while Amsler grid testing was normal. This led to the early diagnosis of macular subretinal neovascularization in the other eye. Thus patients at high risk for neovascular macular degeneration should be made aware of possible subtle changes in vision as well as abnormalities in the Amsler grid. Regular visual acuity check and careful biomicroscopic examination of the macula should be part of each follow-up examination.