New Delhi: A national media conclave was organised in New Delhi to raise awareness about glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness globally, during World Glaucoma Week. The event, titled #DefeatGlaucoma, was hosted by global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie at the India Habitat Centre.
The conclave brought together leading ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists to discuss the importance of early detection, regular eye screening and timely treatment to prevent vision loss caused by the disease. Experts highlighted that glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it progresses gradually without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
According to experts at the event, an estimated 12 million people in India are affected by glaucoma, placing the country among the most impacted globally. Alarmingly, nearly 90 percent of cases remain undiagnosed, largely because the disease advances silently until significant vision damage occurs.
Speaking at the conclave, Suresh Pattathil, Managing Director and General Manager of AbbVie India, emphasised the need for greater awareness and preventive screening. He noted that with more than 75 years of global expertise in eye care, AbbVie remains committed to advancing ophthalmic treatments and encouraging people to undergo regular eye check-ups to safeguard their vision.
The event also featured an expert panel discussion involving leading eye specialists, including Sunita Dubey of Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Harsh Kumar from Centre for Sight, and Ramanjit Sihota of Shroff Eye Centre. The discussion was moderated by Deven Tuli of Netram Eye Foundation.
Experts stressed that individuals, especially those above 40 years of age, should undergo regular eye examinations that include optic nerve evaluation and measurement of intraocular pressure to detect glaucoma at an early stage. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly slow the progression of the disease and prevent irreversible vision loss.
The conclave also featured a Glaucoma Vision Experience demonstration, allowing participants to understand how the disease gradually affects peripheral vision. The immersive activity helped journalists and attendees experience the visual limitations faced by glaucoma patients, reinforcing the importance of early screening.
Specialists noted that glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure. While the disease cannot be reversed, timely diagnosis, regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help patients preserve their vision and maintain quality of life.
The organisers emphasised that collaborative efforts involving doctors, policymakers and the public are essential to improve awareness, strengthen screening programmes and reduce the burden of glaucoma-related blindness in India.
