Taking Steps Against the ‘Silent Thief’: Glaucoma Awareness Walk in Hyderabad
A Walk for Vision, A Step Towards Prevention
Hyderabad, March 2026 — The early morning sun saw hundreds gather at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) Kallam Anji Reddy campus, not for a marathon, but for a cause that could save their sight. The annual Glaucoma Awareness Walk brought together approximately 300-600 participants, all united against a disease that steals vision without warning—glaucoma.
The Silent Thief of Vision
Glaucoma isn’t called the ‘Silent Thief of Vision’ for nothing. It creeps in without symptoms, without pain, and by the time you notice something’s wrong, irreversible damage has already been done. The statistics are staggering:
- 1.12 crore Indians suffer from glaucoma
- 11 lakh people in India are already blind due to this condition
- 80 million people worldwide are affected
- 90% of cases go undetected until it’s too late
What’s more terrifying? Once lost, vision cannot be restored.
Voices of Authority
V.C. Sajjanar, Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) and former ADGP, graced the event as chief guest. He emphasized the critical need for early detection and announced TSRTC’s commitment to spreading awareness at bus stands and inside buses across the state.
“Over 10 million people in India suffer from glaucoma, often without realising it,” Sajjanar noted, urging everyone to prioritize regular comprehensive eye examinations.
Expert Warnings & Key Insights
Dr. Sirisha Senthil, Head of Glaucoma Services at LVPEI, painted a sobering picture. Glaucoma affects one in eight people aged over 40, but it doesn’t spare the young either. Newborns in consanguineous marriages face heightened risks—a telltale sign being when the black part of the eye turns white or blue.
Another silent culprit? Steroid misuse. Over-the-counter steroid medications, used without medical supervision, can trigger glaucoma and cause permanent vision damage.
Dr. Siddharth Dixit, Consultant Ophthalmologist at LVPEI, drove home the message: “Please get comprehensive eye checkups done at regular intervals. Do not miss the tests, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma.”
The Good News: Preventable Blindness
Here’s what makes glaucoma different from other blinding diseases—80% of glaucoma-related blindness is preventable if detected and treated early. Most patients with glaucoma can lead productive, fulfilling lives throughout, provided they follow their treatment plan and don’t miss check-ups.
Who Should Get Checked?
According to the World Glaucoma Association:
- Under 40: Every 2-4 years
- 40-60 years: Every 2-3 years
- Above 60: Every 1-2 years
High-risk groups include those with high myopia (thick glasses), diabetics, long-term steroid users, and anyone with a family history of glaucoma.
More Than Just a Walk
The Glaucoma Awareness Walk wasn’t an isolated event—it capped off World Glaucoma Week (March 8-16), which featured social media campaigns, practitioner workshops, and continuous medical education sessions across the LVPEI network. A flash mob at KBR Park entrance pulled in morning walkers, ensuring the message reached beyond the registered participants.
The Message is Simple
Glaucoma is not a reason to lose hope. With regular check-ups, proper medication, and timely intervention, you can protect your vision. The question isn’t whether you can afford to get checked—it’s whether you can afford not to.
Your eyes are your window to the world. Don’t let the silent thief close the curtains.
