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Tag: #HealthAwareness

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.

Thalassemia Awareness Run at T-Hub: A Step Toward a Thalassemia-Free India

On May 13, 2025, the T-Hub was abuzz with energy and purpose as more than 400 enthusiastic youngsters, along with several Thalassemia-affected children, came together for a noble cause – to raise awareness about Thalassemia and its prevention. The event, the “Backathon 2025,” aimed to educate and encourage people to take proactive steps in the fight against this genetic blood disorder.

The run was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, who served as the Chief Guest. His participation underscored the importance of community involvement and support in efforts to combat Thalassemia. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Ranjan for his unwavering commitment to such meaningful causes.

A special mention goes to two incredible individuals who, despite personal challenges, made time to be part of the event. First, our sincere gratitude to @⁨+91 93471 66528⁩ for showing up and standing strong with us despite being unwell. Your presence was a testament to your dedication. Additionally, @⁨+91 98480 93106⁩ sir, who traveled just to be a part of this event for a few minutes despite a hectic schedule, your warm wishes and support meant a lot to us.

This event could not have been possible without the quiet yet powerful support of a dedicated group of people who have been part of this journey since 2016, both directly and indirectly, and through the Blood Warriors initiative since 2020. Your individual commitment has been the driving force behind every step we’ve taken, and continues to inspire our collective efforts.

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Gayathri Ma’am, Aditi Ma’am, Tapadia Sir, and Dhiraj, who have been the backbone of our mission. The continued support from Rotary and all of our partners has truly been invaluable. You all have been co-passengers in this journey, and we cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support.

The event not only served as a platform to raise awareness but also provided an opportunity for early detection of Thalassemia. Over 140 samples were collected for free Thalassemia testing, furthering our goal of making sure that more individuals are aware of their health status. This gesture of free testing, paired with the awareness run, highlights the importance of both prevention and detection in the fight against Thalassemia.

As the event concluded, the energy and determination displayed by everyone present were palpable. It was evident that every step taken during the run, every voice raised in support, and every drop of effort shared was a powerful reminder that together, we can make a difference.

Congratulations to everyone involved in organizing this event for making it a huge success. It was well-attended and well-organized, a testament to the dedication of the team behind it. Moving forward, I propose that we organize this event again in three months, to keep the momentum going and continue building awareness. Let’s make “Backathon” a recurring event – a brand that symbolizes our commitment to creating a Thalassemia-free India.

Thank you once again to everyone who participated and supported the Backathon 2025. Your presence and involvement have taken us one step closer to our shared dream of a Thalassemia-free future. Let’s continue to work towards prevention, one step, one drop, and one life at a time.

With deep gratitude,
Blood Warriors