Around 600 participate in glaucoma awareness walk-OxBig News Network

People participating in the walk organised by L.V. Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Hyderabad woke up to an awareness walk on Sunday (March 16, 2025) as L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) brought attention to glaucoma, also known as the ‘Silent Thief of Vision’.

Around 600 people took part, highlighting concerns over a disease that affects 1.12 crore Indians, leaving 11 lakh already blind.

Telangana State Road Transport Corporation managing director V.C. Sajjanar stressed the need for early detection, announcing the corporation’s role in spreading awareness at bus stands and inside buses. “Over 10 million people in India suffer from glaucoma, often without realising it,” he said.

Sirisha Senthil, head of Glaucoma Services at LVPEI, warned that glaucoma progresses silently, affecting one in eight people aged over 40. She highlighted risks for newborns in consanguineous marriages and the dangers of steroid misuse. Experts called for regular eye check-ups for timely detection and prevention of blindness.