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Steroid Abuse Fuels Silent Vision Loss Crisis
21 Jan
Summary
- Unsupervised steroid use is a growing cause of secondary glaucoma.
- Glaucoma affects millions globally, with India bearing a significant burden.
- Early symptoms are often ignored, leading to irreversible optic nerve damage.
A concerning rise in steroid-induced glaucoma is being reported by doctors across India. The unsupervised use of potent steroid medications and eye drops is significantly increasing intraocular pressure, silently damaging the optic nerve. This poses a serious threat as glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is already a major health concern in India.
Globally, glaucoma affects millions, with projections indicating a substantial increase by 2040. India accounts for a significant portion of this global burden, yet a high percentage of cases remain undiagnosed. This silent progression means irreversible optic nerve damage often occurs before symptoms are noticeable, leading to delayed diagnosis and significant vision loss.
While factors like an aging population and increased diabetes prevalence contribute to glaucoma cases, experts highlight prolonged or unsupervised steroid use as a critical, avoidable risk factor. Routine eye examinations, especially for individuals over 40 and those with risk factors like diabetes or a history of steroid use, are crucial for early detection and prevention of vision loss.
