Kolkata | 22 January 2026:
Doctors across India have raised concern over the widespread and often unsupervised use of steroids, warning that it is emerging as a major cause of secondary glaucoma, a sight-threatening condition leading to irreversible blindness. Steroids commonly used for allergies, skin problems, respiratory illnesses and even as eye drops can silently raise eye pressure when used for prolonged periods.
India has an estimated 12–13 million glaucoma patients, nearly one-sixth of the global burden, yet 85–90% of cases remain undiagnosed. “Steroid-induced glaucoma is increasingly common, especially among patients self-medicating without supervision. The danger lies in the silent rise of eye pressure, which causes permanent optic nerve damage before symptoms appear,” said Dr Samar Sengupta, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Kolkata.
Glaucoma primarily affects individuals above 40 years but is now being detected in younger patients as well. Early screening is crucial, particularly for high-risk groups such as diabetics, long-term steroid users and those with a family history.
As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital is offering a free glaucoma work-up for diabetic patients across India till 15 February 2026.
