You Should Know About AMD

The Silent Thief of Sight: What You Should Know About AMD

Imagine waking up one morning, and the center of your vision the part that helps you read, recognize faces, and drive has turned into a blurry void. The edges are still there. But the middle? Faded. Distorted. Gone.

This isn't science fiction, it's Age-related Macular Degeneration , or AMD , one of the leading causes of severe vision loss in the Western world. And it's creeping into the lives of millions as quietly as time itself.

At Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE , we're here to shine a spotlight on this invisible intruder so you can face it before it steals you from your sight.

Meet the Macula: Your Eye’s High-Definition Center

The macula is a tiny but mighty part of your eye, located in the center of the retina the thin layer at the back of your eye that converts light into images for your brain. Think of the macula as the pixel-dense heart of your vision it’s what allows you to thread a needle, read the fine print, or notice a friend’s smile from across the room.

When AMD strikes, it targets this tiny structure, leading to gradual loss of central vision. Peripheral vision remains intact, but what you lose is your detail detector your ability to see clearly and closely.

AMD by the Numbers

• In Spain alone, AMD affects 13% of people over 65.
• With life expectancy rising, that number is projected to

double in the next 20 years.

• Globally, AMD is one of the top causes of legal blindness among the elderly.

And yet, so many people don’t see it coming until it’s too late.

The Two Faces of AMD

Not all AMD progresses the same way. There are two distinct types:

1. Dry (Atrophic) AMD

• Accounts for 85% of cases.
• Progresses slowly over years.
• Caused by the thinning and aging of macular tissues.
• Early signs: Difficulty reading, needing brighter light, and subtle blurriness.

2.Wet (Exudative) AMD

• Less common, but far more aggressive.
• Can lead to sudden vision loss within days or weeks.
• Caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking under the macula, forming neovascular membranes.
• Symptoms include distortion (straight lines look wavy), rapid blurring, and dark central spots.

Is AMD Preventable?

While aging is inevitable, early detection is your best weapon. At Barraquer UAE, we use advanced diagnostic imaging to spot AMD before symptoms become severe. If caught early, we can slow or even halt progression with treatments like:

• Anti-VEGF Injections (for wet AMD)
• Nutritional therapy (rich in antioxidants and zinc)
• Laser photocoagulation
• Low vision aids to enhance remaining sight