In an era dominated by social media trends and the relentless pursuit of beauty and fitness, many people are unknowingly endangering their vision. The desire for lighter skin and well-toned bodies has fueled the rampant use of fairness creams and gym supplements — products that often contain hidden steroids. While these products promise superficial improvements, experts warn that they may come with a hidden price: irreversible blindness.

Steroids, when used without medical supervision, can silently damage the eyes by increasing intraocular pressure, leading to optic nerve damage and a condition known as glaucoma. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma creeps in without symptoms, and once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.

To better understand this growing public health concern, Drug Today Medical Times spoke with Dr. Tanuj Dada, Professor In-Charge of the Glaucoma Unit at one of India’s premier medical institutes. In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Dada explains how hidden steroids in everyday products are affecting vision, highlights the rising number of young patients with steroid-induced glaucoma, and urges people to prioritize eye health through regular screenings.

DTMT: Dr. Dada, how exactly are steroids in fairness creams and gym supplements affecting people’s eyesight?

Dr. Tanuj Dada: Steroids, whether prescribed or hidden in products like fairness creams, gym supplements, eye drops, nasal sprays, tablets, or injections, can have a cumulative effect on the body. When these steroids enter the bloodstream, they can cause a gradual increase in intraocular pressure. If this elevated pressure remains undetected, it damages the optic nerve fibers, resulting in glaucoma. What makes this even more dangerous is the absence of early warning signs. Most patients realize the damage only when they experience noticeable vision loss, and by that time, the condition is often irreversible.

DTMT: Have you observed an increase in cases of steroid-induced glaucoma, especially among young individuals?

Dr. Dada: Yes, this is a worrying trend. We are seeing more young patients, including fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders, who use gym powders and supplements without understanding the risks. Similarly, young adults, particularly women, who use fairness creams containing potent steroids are coming in with advanced glaucoma. Many of these patients had no idea they were at risk because the symptoms are silent. Unfortunately, by the time they present with complaints like blurry vision, halos around lights, or eye discomfort, significant and often irreversible damage to the optic nerve has already occurred.

DTMT: How important are regular eye check-ups in preventing this condition?

Dr. Dada: Regular eye check-ups are absolutely vital. Glaucoma is known as the silent thief of sight for a reason — you cannot feel it or see it coming until the damage is done. I strongly recommend that people above the age of 40 have a comprehensive eye examination at least once every three years. Those above 60 or those with systemic conditions like diabetes or hypertension should go for annual eye check-ups. And for anyone who has been using steroid-containing creams, supplements, or over-the-counter eye medications for an extended period, immediate eye screening is essential. Early detection can prevent vision loss, but ignoring routine check-ups can be disastrous.

DTMT: You mentioned over-the-counter eye drops. Could you elaborate on how they contribute to this problem?

Dr. Dada: This is another major issue. In many parts of India, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, people rely on chemists and unqualified practitioners for eye drops. Often, these drops contain steroids, which might offer short-term relief but cause long-term harm. Some individuals use these drops for weeks or months without medical guidance. This unsupervised use leads to elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage, culminating in steroid-induced glaucoma. The lack of awareness and regulation surrounding these products is a public health challenge that needs urgent attention.

DTMT: Are there any early signs or symptoms that people should look out for to detect glaucoma?

Dr. Dada: Unfortunately, in most cases, glaucoma develops silently without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Some patients may notice subtle signs like mild eye discomfort, headaches, seeing halos around lights, or gradual loss of peripheral vision, but these are often ignored. The condition progresses slowly, and by the time central vision is affected, the damage is usually severe and irreversible. That’s why regular eye screenings are the only reliable method for early detection and prevention.

DTMT: With glaucoma being a silent but serious threat, what key message would you like to give to the public?

Dr. Dada: I cannot stress this enough: do not risk your eyesight for temporary cosmetic or fitness gains. Be extremely cautious about what you apply to your skin or consume in the name of health or beauty. Always check product ingredients, avoid self-medication, and stay away from over-the-counter steroid-based eye drops or creams. Most importantly, make regular eye check-ups a priority — they can save your vision. I also urge healthcare authorities to raise awareness and regulate the use of steroid-based products more strictly to prevent this growing problem.

DTMT: Thank you, Dr. Dada, for shedding light on this critical issue and helping spread awareness.

Dr. Dada: Thank you for bringing attention to this silent danger. Eye health is often neglected until it’s too late, and I hope this conversation helps change that.