The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive dilated eye examination every 2-4 years for patients between 40-64 and every 1-2 years for patients 65 years and older. If patients have evidence of "dry" macular degeneration found on these examinations, even if they are still asymptomatic, they are usually given a straight-line grid to examine one eye at a time. The first symptom of "wet" macular degeneration is often curvature or distortion of the straight lines. If this occurs it should be reported immediately. The grid given out in the eye doctor’s office is referred to as an Amsler grid but any straight-line object will do. For example, a crossword puzzle, a venetian blind or the corner of a window.