Every day, millions of people unknowingly put their eyesight at risk in the pursuit of beauty and fitness. The fairness creams used to achieve a lighter complexion and the gym supplements consumed for muscle gain may seem harmless, but experts warn that they can silently damage the eyes and lead to irreversible blindness. The culprit? Steroids hidden in these products.

Dr. Tanuj Dada, Professor In-Charge of the Glaucoma Unit of RP Center, Delhi-AIIMS explains that steroids—whether in the form of eye drops, nasal inhalers, tablets, or injections—can accumulate in the eyes, increasing intraocular pressure. Over time, this pressure builds up, damaging the optic nerve and ultimately leading to glaucoma, a condition that results in permanent vision loss. The most alarming part is that many people do not realize they are at risk until it is too late.

In recent years, dermatological steroid creams have gained popularity among those seeking fairer skin. At the same time, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts frequently consume gym powders that contain steroids to enhance performance. Dr. Dada points out that a growing number of young patients are suffering from steroid-induced glaucoma without being aware of it. He warns that the continuous use of these creams or supplements can lead to a gradual increase in eye pressure. By the time symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible.

Glaucoma does not discriminate, but certain groups are more vulnerable. People with a family history of the disease, as well as those suffering from hypertension and diabetes, face a significantly higher risk. Despite being a leading cause of blindness, awareness about glaucoma remains shockingly low. Dr. Praveen Vashisth, Professor of Community Medicine at RP Center, emphasizes that nearly 90% of glaucoma cases remain undiagnosed simply because people do not recognize the warning signs. Since glaucoma develops gradually, many individuals dismiss the early symptoms, assuming their vision problems are temporary.

Regular eye check-ups are crucial in detecting glaucoma before it causes irreversible damage. Experts advise that people over the age of 40 should undergo eye screenings at least once every three years, while those above 60 or suffering from lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension should have their eyes checked annually. Dr. Dada stresses the importance of immediate screening for anyone who has been using steroid-based creams or supplements for an extended period. He also raises concern over the increasing use of over-the-counter eye drops and the reliance on unqualified practitioners, particularly in rural areas. Many people continue to use steroid-laced eye drops for months, unaware of the harm they are causing to their eyesight.

In an effort to tackle the growing number of undiagnosed glaucoma cases, doctors are now turning to artificial intelligence for early detection. A pilot project in Delhi’s Trilokpuri area is utilizing AI-based screening to measure eye pressure and identify glaucoma cases before they become severe. This initiative offers hope in addressing what has become a silent epidemic.

With an estimated 1.2 crore Indians suffering from glaucoma, the need for awareness and routine eye check-ups has never been more critical. The next time you consider using a fairness cream or gym supplement without knowing its ingredients, it is worth asking: is achieving a temporary change in appearance worth the permanent risk to your eyesight?