LVPEI Hyderabad Glaucoma Walk March 2024 Warns 11 Lakh Indians Are Blind From Eye Disease

Over 600 people walked in Hyderabad this March to fight glaucoma. This disease affects 1.12 crore Indians, which is a much higher number than in previous years.
By Newsroom | Health, Hyderabad |

L V Prasad Eye Institute stages 'awareness walk' amid growing blindness figures

HYDERABAD - An 'awareness walk' organized by the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad recently, aimed to shine a light on 'glaucoma', a group of eye ailments tied to damage of the optic nerve. This condition, often stemming from elevated intraocular pressure, can lead to a slow, irreversible dimming of sight.

Glaucoma affects an estimated 1.12 crore Indians, with a stark 11 lakh individuals already experiencing blindness due to the condition. A significant portion of patients remain oblivious to their ailment until their vision is severely compromised.

The institute’s recent initiative, part of a wider effort during World Glaucoma Week (March 8-14), saw around 600 participants. The walk, themed 'Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World', included supplementary events such as a flash mob designed to catch the public's attention at KBR Park, providing information on glaucoma and its treatment.

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Broader Campaigning and High-Profile Attendance

The week-long push for awareness extended beyond the walk, encompassing social media campaigns, workshops for medical practitioners, and continuous medical education sessions. Noteworthy figures observed at the event included V.C. Sajjanar, MD of TSRTC, and Dr. Sirisha Senthil, Head of Glaucoma Services at LVPEI.

“Glaucoma progresses silently, affecting one in eight people aged over 40,” stated Sirisha Senthil, highlighting the insidious nature of the disease.

Identifying Risk and Prevention

Experts underscored the necessity of regular eye check-ups for timely detection, particularly for individuals with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, advising annual screenings. The discussion also touched upon risks concerning newborns from consanguineous marriages and the adverse effects of steroid misuse.

V.C. Sajjanar emphasized the need for early detection, detailing plans to use TSRTC's network for spreading awareness within buses and at bus stands.

Understanding the Condition

Glaucoma, if left unchecked, can culminate in blindness, being a primary driver of irreversible vision loss globally. However, it's important to note that many glaucoma patients do not necessarily lose their sight. The institute's efforts seek to bridge the gap between the condition's prevalence and public understanding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did LVPEI organize an awareness walk in Hyderabad in March 2024?
LVPEI held the walk to teach people about glaucoma, a disease that causes permanent blindness. About 600 people joined the event at KBR Park to show that early eye tests can save your sight.
Q: How many people in India are currently blind because of glaucoma?
Right now, 11 lakh people in India are blind due to glaucoma. In total, 1.12 crore Indians have this eye condition, and many do not know they are sick until they lose their vision.
Q: Who should get an eye test for glaucoma at LVPEI Hyderabad?
People over 40 years old, people with diabetes, or those with a family history of eye problems should get a test every year. Doctors say 1 in 8 people over age 40 are at risk for this silent disease.
Q: How will TSRTC buses help spread glaucoma awareness in Hyderabad?
V.C. Sajjanar from TSRTC said they will put health information inside buses and at bus stands. This helps more people learn about eye safety and the need for check-ups while they travel across the city.