New Delhi: With glaucoma emerging as one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie on Thursday hosted a National Media Conclave in the Capital to highlight the need for early diagnosis and regular screening to prevent vision loss. The event, held at the India Habitat Centre during World Glaucoma Week, brought together ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists who flagged the large number of undiagnosed cases in the country.
According to experts, an estimated 12 million people in India are living with glaucoma, placing the country among the most affected globally. Yet nearly 90 per cent of cases remain undiagnosed, largely because the disease progresses silently and often does not show noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Calling glaucoma the “silent thief of sight”, Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director and General Manager of AbbVie India, said many patients become aware of the condition only after significant vision loss has already occurred. “Initiatives like this conclave are aimed at strengthening awareness about the importance of early detection and encouraging people to undergo regular eye examinations,” he said, adding that timely intervention can help patients protect their vision and quality of life.
The conclave featured a panel discussion with glaucoma specialists including Suneeta Dubey, Associate Medical Director and Head of Glaucoma Services at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital; Harsh Kumar, Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist at Centre for Sight; and Ramanjit Sihota of Shroff Eye Centre. The session was moderated by Deven Tuli of Netram Eye Foundation.
To demonstrate the real-life impact of the disease, the event opened with a “Glaucoma Vision Experience” simulation that allowed participants to understand how the condition gradually narrows peripheral vision. The demonstration was aimed at helping attendees experience the visual limitations faced by people living with glaucoma.
Dr Dubey said the absence of early symptoms often delays diagnosis. “Glaucoma develops gradually, which is why many patients remain undiagnosed until irreversible damage has already occurred. Regular eye examinations, particularly after the age of 40, are essential for early detection,” she said.
Dr Kumar stressed the need for improved screening practices. “Routine eye check-ups that include optic nerve evaluation and intraocular pressure measurement can help detect glaucoma early. With early diagnosis and appropriate management, the progression of the disease can often be slowed significantly,” he said.
Dr Sihota highlighted that glaucoma management requires long-term care and patient awareness. “Lifelong monitoring and adherence to treatment are critical. Increasing awareness about the disease and encouraging timely consultations with eye specialists can help prevent irreversible vision loss,” she said.
Moderating the discussion, Dr Tuli said tackling glaucoma requires coordinated action. Strengthening awareness, improving access to screening and ensuring timely treatment will be key to reducing glaucoma-related blindness in the country, he added.
Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure. Because the disease progresses slowly and usually without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, many people remain unaware of the condition until significant vision loss occurs. Experts said regular eye examinations and timely treatment can help slow its progression and preserve vision.
