The L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) organised a series of awareness initiatives across its network to commemorate World Glaucoma Week (March 8–14, 2026). Through these activities, the institute aims to raise awareness about glaucoma—an eye disease that silently affects both adults and children.
To inaugurate the activities, Dr G Chandra Shekar, Vice Chair Emeritus at LVPEI, along with Dr Sirisha Senthil, Head of the Kalathur Venugopal Reddy Glaucoma Institute, and Dr Siddharth Dixit, Head of Glaucoma Services at the Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, flagged off the awareness walk.
World Glaucoma Week is a global initiative jointly organised by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patients Association. The campaign focuses on educating the public about glaucoma and the importance of early detection to prevent vision loss.
Understanding Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. Over time, this damage can lead to irreversible blindness. However, the disease usually progresses silently, and many people remain unaware of it until significant vision loss occurs.
In most cases, glaucoma first affects peripheral or side vision. As the disease advances, central vision may also deteriorate. Several factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including high intraocular pressure, family history, ethnicity, high myopia, and advancing age.
Rising Global and National Burden
Globally, glaucoma is emerging as a major public health concern. Current estimates suggest that the number of people affected will increase from 76 million to nearly 111.8 million by 2040, with the majority of cases expected in Asia and Africa.
In India alone, approximately 12 million people are affected by glaucoma. The disease accounts for nearly 12.8 percent of cases of irreversible blindness, largely due to delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness.
Awareness Walk to Promote Early Detection
As part of the week-long observance, LVPEI organised a Glaucoma Awareness Walk on March 8, 2026. The walk began at the Kallam Anji Reddy (KAR) campus in Banjara Hills and concluded at KBR Park. Nearly 500 participants joined the event to support the cause and spread awareness about the importance of early screening.
This year’s theme focuses on “Childhood Glaucoma and Steroid-Induced Glaucoma,” highlighting two often overlooked yet significant forms of the disease.
GlauCOnnect Webinar Strengthens Clinical Awareness
In addition to public outreach, LVPEI organised GlauCOnnect, a specialised webinar dedicated to childhood glaucoma. The programme targeted postgraduate students, fellows, and practising ophthalmologists to enhance their diagnostic and clinical management skills.
The webinar featured case presentations by national and international participants. It also included a keynote lecture by Dr Brenda L Bohnsack, Professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago. Several eminent national experts served as judges for the academic competition conducted during the session.
Importance of Early Detection
Dr Siddharth Dixit emphasised that poor patient awareness makes glaucoma particularly dangerous. Because the disease progresses without noticeable symptoms, many individuals seek medical care only after severe vision loss occurs.
He explained that the only reliable way to detect glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye examination that includes retinal and fundus evaluation. Therefore, individuals must take responsibility for their eye health by undergoing regular eye check-ups.
Dr Dixit also highlighted that the theme of childhood glaucoma reminds people that the disease can affect not only adults but also children and even newborns. Early diagnosis and timely treatment remain critical to preventing avoidable vision loss.
Childhood Glaucoma: Recognising Early Warning Signs
Childhood glaucoma occurs more frequently among children born from consanguineous marriages. Therefore, parents should remain vigilant for early symptoms and consult an ophthalmologist if they observe any warning signs.
Common symptoms include:
- Enlarged or cloudy eyes
- Redness of the eyes
- Excessive watering
- Sensitivity to light, causing the child to frequently close their eyes
Early detection is essential because associated conditions such as myopia and amblyopia can further impair vision if left untreated.
Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: A Preventable Risk
Another important focus of this year’s awareness campaign is steroid-induced glaucoma. Steroids are widely used to treat various inflammatory conditions in the body. However, their indiscriminate or prolonged use can increase intraocular pressure and trigger glaucoma.
Steroids may be present in eye drops, ointments, inhalers, tablets, injections, and even non-pharmaceutical products such as skin creams for acne, itching, or fairness. Many of these products may contain steroids without proper documentation, making public awareness particularly important.
Experts recommend that individuals who use steroids regularly undergo comprehensive eye examinations every six months to one year.
Can Steroids Cause Blindness?
Yes, steroid-induced glaucoma can lead to blindness if left untreated. Children with eye allergies are particularly vulnerable because they may frequently use over-the-counter steroid eye drops for quick relief from redness and itching.
Unregulated prescribing practices and unsupervised medication use further contribute to the problem. Although steroids themselves are valuable medicines, their misuse can have serious consequences.
Preventing Glaucoma Through Regular Screening
Currently, regular eye examinations remain the most effective way to detect glaucoma early and preserve vision. Doctors recommend the following screening intervals:
- Every two to four years for individuals below 40 years of age
- Every one to three years for those aged 40–54 years
- Every one to two years for individuals aged 55–64 years
- Every six to twelve months for those aged above 65 years
- Annual examinations after the age of 35 for individuals with a family history of glaucoma
Expert Advice on Responsible Steroid Use
Dr Sirisha Senthil stressed that patients should always ask their doctors whether prescribed medicines contain steroids. Individuals who require long-term steroid therapy must undergo regular eye examinations to monitor eye pressure and optic nerve health.
She further explained that glaucoma progresses slowly and often without symptoms. By the time it is diagnosed, patients may have already lost up to 90–100 percent of their vision. Because lost vision cannot be restored, early detection becomes critical.
Dr Senthil also highlighted that newborns and infants can develop glaucoma. However, if detected early, surgery can successfully restore normal vision in many cases. She advised parents not to delay surgery due to fear or misinformation, noting that ophthalmic procedures can be safely performed even on infants as young as one week old.
The Need for Greater Public Awareness in India
As per the press release, Dr G Chandra Shekar emphasised the seriousness of glaucoma in India. More than one crore people in the country live with the disease, and nearly 11 lakh have already lost their vision.
Alarmingly, about 90 percent of individuals with glaucoma remain unaware that they have the condition. This low level of awareness makes initiatives such as World Glaucoma Week especially important.
He also pointed out that glaucoma can occur even in children below the age of 15. Therefore, eye pressure screening should not be limited to older adults but must include younger populations as well.
A Call for Early Action
Ultimately, glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, timely screening, increased public awareness, and responsible medication use can significantly reduce the burden of the disease.
Through its World Glaucoma Week initiatives, LVPEI continues to encourage individuals to prioritise regular eye examinations and seek medical advice early—because when detected in time, glaucoma-related vision loss can often be prevented.