City ophthalmologists have raised alarm over the widespread unsupervised use of steroids triggering secondary glaucoma, a dangerous eye condition that can cause permanent blindness. January marks Glaucoma Awareness Month. Steroids used for allergies, skin problems, and respiratory diseases, often available as over-the-counter eye drops, can raise eye pressure dangerously when used for long periods. Many patients do not realize their optic nerve is getting damaged. India has about 12 to 13 million people with glaucoma, nearly one-sixth of the world’s cases. Globally, 75 to 80 million suffer from glaucoma, expected to cross 110 million by 2040. Despite being the top cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, glaucoma is often underdiagnosed in India. Mallesh H., Resident Medical Officer at Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, said "nearly 90% of glaucoma cases remain undetected as the disease progresses silently." He added, "Unlike cataract, glaucoma is asymptomatic without warning signs. But early diagnosis and treatment can help patients retain useful vision lifelong." Doctors link the rise in glaucoma partly to an ageing population, diabetes, myopia, and better diagnosis. However, a growing number of cases come from prolonged or unsupervised steroid use, an avoidable risk. Consultant Ophthalmologist Sandhya E.S. of Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital said, "We are seeing more steroid-induced glaucoma among patients who use steroid medications or eye drops without supervision." She warned, "Patients often feel symptom-free initially, while eye pressure rises silently causing permanent damage." Rohit Shetty, chairman at Narayana Nethralaya, explained that steroids provide fast relief but raise eye pressure in 25 to 30% of users called “steroid responders.” Chronic steroid use for skin or respiratory illnesses can trigger this. His hospital treats six to seven such cases monthly. Jayashree K. Bhat, consultant at Aster RV Hospital, called steroids a "double-edged sword," saying, "Steroids can be lifesaving and sometimes there is no alternative." Yet, she noted, "While physicians check blood pressure and sugar before steroid use for diabetics or hypertensives, glaucoma risk often gets overlooked." There is no rule for eye checks before starting steroids, which is a concern. Long-term steroids by inhalers, tablets, or injections can raise eye pressure in sensitive people. Bhat stressed, "Not everybody is at risk. Screening is the only way to identify steroid responders or those with family risks." She highlighted misuse of steroid eye drops like dexamethasone and hidden use of alternative medicines worsening the problem. All experts agreed steroids should be used only under medical guidance and stopped when no longer needed. They warned that improper or long use can cause glaucoma and cataract. People with diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues, high myopia, history of eye injury, or long steroid use should do regular eye check-ups to prevent glaucoma.