Silent Threat: Glaucoma Blindness Looms Over Millions in India

• Glaucoma is a serious, under-recognized public health challenge in India, threatening millions with irreversible blindness.
• The disease often progresses without early symptoms, damaging the optic nerve gradually, leading to late diagnosis.
• India faces a high burden with 12 million people aged 40-80 living with glaucoma, and 75% of cases are undiagnosed.
• Risk factors include age over 40, family history, high eye pressure, high refractive errors, diabetes, and steroid use.
• Experts advocate for increased awareness, routine eye screenings, and targeted interventions, especially for high-risk groups.

Why It Matters: Glaucoma is a silent, irreversible threat to vision in India, demanding urgent awareness and early detection.