Prepare for Your Eye Doctor Appointment

Preparing for your eye doctor appointment is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining good eye health. By following these easy steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and productive visit, helping your eye doctor help you see the world more clearly. Remember, your eyesight is precious – take the time to care for it!

Services

Dr Shibal Bhartiya offers glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, second opinions, dry eye, neuro-ophthalmology, paediatric eye care, and specialist consultations at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Sector 56, Gurgaon.

She is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator with over 25 years of experience. Her focus is on identifying risk before damage becomes irreversible, simplifying treatment decisions, and protecting vision long-term. She is rated 5 stars across 1,500+ patient reviews on Google.


Glaucoma Care

Most patients who see Dr Bhartiya for glaucoma are either newly diagnosed and uncertain what to do next, or have been on treatment for years and are not sure it is working. Both are valid reasons to be here.


Specialist Consultations

These are services for patients with specific clinical questions — often patients who have been elsewhere and want a focused, expert assessment.

  • Eye evaluation before GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro): screening for retinal and optic nerve risk before starting or continuing GLP-1 medications. Dr Bhartiya has published a systematic review on GLP-1 agonists and the eye (PubMed indexed, 2025).
  • Online glaucoma consultation and second opinion: remote consultation for glaucoma, optic nerve concerns, and complex eye conditions, for patients outside Gurgaon and Faridabad
  • Second opinion for complex eye conditions: before any eye surgery, for unexplained vision changes, or when you want clarity before committing to a treatment plan
  • Pre-surgical counselling: understanding options, risks, and benefits before cataract, glaucoma, or refractive surgery
  • Guidance for chronic eye conditions: long-term support and realistic planning for patients managing glaucoma, dry eye, or other ongoing conditions

Ocular Surface Diseases

Screen time, pollution, and contact lens use are driving a quiet epidemic of surface eye disease. Many patients have been told their eyes are “normal” when the problem is simply being missed.


Neuro-ophthalmology

Symptoms like sudden vision loss, double vision, drooping eyelid, or unexplained headache with eye pain often sit at the boundary of neurology and ophthalmology. Dr Bhartiya sees these cases directly.


Paediatric Ophthalmology

Children rarely complain about their vision — they simply adapt. A missed refractive error or lazy eye can affect learning, confidence, and development for years.


Comprehensive Eye Health


Not Sure About Your Diagnosis? You Are Not Alone.

Many patients arrive after a diagnosis elsewhere — unsure whether to start treatment, concerned about long-term progression, or wanting clarity before committing to a plan. A second opinion is not a sign of distrust. It is good medicine.

Request a Glaucoma Second Opinion →


Where to Find Us

Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurgaon Golf Course Ext Rd, Sushant Lok II, Sector 56, Gurugram 122011 Appointments: +91 88826 38735 | 1800 309 4444 | +91 98187 00269

Teleconsultation is available for patients outside Gurgaon. Dr Bhartiya is happy to work in partnership with your local eye doctor over time.

Full contact details and directions →


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see Dr Bhartiya?

No. You can book directly by calling +91 88826 38735. A referral is welcome if you have one, but it is not required.

Can I get a second opinion if I already have a diagnosis elsewhere?

Yes, this is one of the most common reasons patients come. Bring any reports, scans, or prescriptions you have. You can also upload them in advance for a structured review before your appointment.

What should I bring for my first appointment?

Previous prescriptions, glasses, eye drop bottles if you use them, and any imaging or investigation reports. Full guidance is on the What to Bring page.

Is teleconsultation available?

Yes. Patients outside Gurgaon and Faridabad can consult remotely. Call +91 88826 38735 to arrange.

How long does a glaucoma evaluation take?

A comprehensive glaucoma evaluation including visual fields and imaging typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Please plan accordingly.

Does Dr Bhartiya see children?

Yes. Paediatric eye exams, squint, amblyopia, and myopia control are part of regular practice.

I am on Ozempic or a GLP-1 medication. Should I get my eyes checked?

Yes. Emerging research links GLP-1 agonists with retinal and optic nerve changes in some patients. Dr Bhartiya offers a dedicated pre- and on-treatment eye evaluation. Read the published research


About Dr Shibal Bhartiya

Dr Shibal Bhartiya is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator with over 25 years of experience. Her approach focuses on identifying risk before damage is irreversible, simplifying treatment decisions, and protecting vision long-term.

She is Clinical Director of Ophthalmology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Experimental Vision and Eye Research, and Executive Editor of the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice, PubMed-indexed, official journal of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery.

Her 200+ publications, including 90+ PubMed-indexed papers and 28 edited textbooks, span glaucoma biology, surgical outcomes, health equity, and emerging diagnostics.

Her work is accessible on PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ORCID.

Full doctor profile → Patient testimonials → Leave a Google review → Upload your reports for a structured review →

Second Opinion | Teleconsultation Online

For patients who live elsewhere, Dr Bhartiya is happy to work in partnership with your local eye doctor to guide and support your care over time.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the inner eyelids. It is one of the most common eye conditions seen in all age groups, from infants to older adults.

Most people know it as pink eye or eye flu. The eye looks red or pink because the blood vessels in the conjunctiva dilate during inflammation.

Conjunctivitis is not usually dangerous. But it is uncomfortable, often contagious, and sometimes confused with other eye conditions that need urgent attention.

Dr Shibal Bhartiya is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator with over 25 years of experience. Her approach focuses on identifying risk before damage is irreversible, simplifying treatment decisions, and protecting vision long-term. Emphasis on early detection, risk assessment, and continuity of care. She is rated 5 stars across 1,500+ patient reviews on Google.


Types of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is not one condition. The cause determines the treatment.

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type. It spreads easily from person to person and is often associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection. It usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks.

Bacterial conjunctivitis causes a sticky yellow or green discharge. It responds to antibiotic eye drops. Without treatment, it can persist and occasionally spread to the cornea.

Allergic conjunctivitis is not infective and not contagious. It is triggered by dust, pollen, pet dander, or other allergens, and can cause intense itching. It is often seasonal. You can read more about it on the eye allergy page.

Chemical or irritant conjunctivitis results from exposure to chlorine, smoke, fumes, or foreign bodies. It is not contagious and resolves once the irritant is removed.


Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Symptoms vary slightly by cause but the common features include:

  • Redness of one or both eyes
  • Watering or discharge
  • Gritty or sandy feeling in the eye
  • Swelling of the eyelids or conjunctiva
  • Sticky eyelids on waking, especially with bacterial infection
  • Transient blurring of vision
  • Intense itching, more common in allergic conjunctivitis

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Most conjunctivitis is mild. But some symptoms need prompt attention:

  • Severe pain in the eye
  • Significant reduction in vision that does not clear with blinking
  • Intense sensitivity to light
  • Symptoms that worsen rapidly or do not improve after a week
  • Conjunctivitis in a newborn

These symptoms may point to a more serious condition such as corneal involvement, uveitis, or acute glaucoma — all of which need urgent evaluation.


Management of Conjunctivitis

Treatment depends on the cause.

For viral conjunctivitis, antibiotics are not effective. Treatment focuses on comfort — preservative-free lubricating eye drops reduce irritation, and cold compresses ease swelling. Most cases resolve within 7 to 14 days.

For bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early.

For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine eye drops and avoidance of triggers form the core of treatment. Anti-inflammatory drops help in more severe cases.

In some situations — particularly in diabetic or immunocompromised patients — a doctor may prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic even for a viral infection to prevent secondary bacterial infection.


How to Limit the Spread

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread through direct and indirect contact. These steps reduce transmission:

  • Wash hands frequently, especially after touching the eyes
  • Do not touch or rub the infected eye
  • Do not share towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup
  • Avoid contact lenses until your doctor confirms it is safe to resume
  • Stay away from school or work if discharge is heavy — particularly in children

A Note on Self-Treatment

Many patients use over-the-counter antibiotic or steroid drops without a prescription. This is not advisable. Steroid drops used without examination can worsen viral infections and occasionally trigger serious complications including raised eye pressure and glaucoma. Always have a comprehensive eye examination before starting any treatment.


Frequently Asked Questions- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread through:

• Hand contact
• Towels
• Cosmetics
• Eye rubbing
• Close contact environments like schools and offices

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Good hygiene significantly reduces transmission risk.


What is the treatment for conjunctivitis?

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Viral conjunctivitis → lubrication and hygiene
• Bacterial conjunctivitis → antibiotic drops when indicated
• Allergic conjunctivitis → anti-allergy medication, low dose steroids depending on severity
• Dry eye related redness → tear film stabilisation

Steroid eye drops should never be used without ophthalmologist supervision because they can worsen infections and may trigger glaucoma in susceptible individuals.


How long does conjunctivitis take to recover?

Recovery depends on cause:

• Viral conjunctivitis: 7–14 days
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: 5–10 days
• Allergic conjunctivitis: depends on allergen control

If symptoms persist beyond expected timelines, further evaluation may be needed to rule out masqueraders.


When should I see an eye specialist urgently?

Seek urgent consultation if you have:

• Reduced vision
• Severe eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Recurrent episodes
• No improvement after 3–5 days
• History of glaucoma
• Contact lens use with redness

These may indicate conditions more serious than conjunctivitis.


Can conjunctivitis affect vision permanently?

Most cases recover fully. However delayed diagnosis, inappropriate steroid use, or missed alternative diagnoses may rarely cause complications.

Early diagnosis helps prevent unnecessary risk.


How do ophthalmologists differentiate conjunctivitis from more serious causes of red eye?

Clinical examination typically includes:

Visual acuity testing
• Slit lamp examination
• Corneal evaluation
• Anterior chamber assessment
Eye pressure measurement when needed
• Risk stratification based on symptoms

The key clinical question is often not just how to treat redness, but whether this is truly conjunctivitis or something more serious.


How can conjunctivitis be prevented?

Prevention strategies include:

• Hand hygiene
• Avoid eye rubbing
• Avoid sharing towels
• Replace eye cosmetics after infection
• Proper contact lens care
• Early consultation if symptoms worsen

Preventive eye care remains the most effective strategy to avoid complications.

Is pink eye the same as conjunctivitis?

Yes. Pink eye is the common name for infective conjunctivitis. The term refers to the characteristic redness caused by dilated surface blood vessels.

Can steroid eye drops treat conjunctivitis?

Steroid drops should only be prescribed by an eye doctor after examination. Used incorrectly, steroids can worsen viral conjunctivitis, delay healing, and raise eye pressure — increasing the risk of glaucoma.

How is conjunctivitis different from dry eye or allergy?

All three cause red, uncomfortable eyes. Dry eye causes burning and grittiness, worse with screen use. Allergy causes intense itching, often with sneezing. Infective conjunctivitis typically causes discharge and may affect one eye first. An eye examination is the reliable way to distinguish them.

Read the research articles

This article was written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator, Clinical Director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, known for ethical, patient-centred glaucoma care and independent glaucoma second opinions.

She has published peer-reviewed research on eye care, examining how treatment decisions should balance medical evidence, patient preferences, and long-term vision outcomes.

As Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Experimental Vision and Eye Research and Executive Editor of the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice (Pubmed Indexed, official journal of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery), Dr Shibal Bhartiya brings editorial and research depth to every clinical decision. Her 200+ publications, including 90+ PubMed-indexed publications and 28 edited textbooks span glaucoma biology, surgical outcomes, health equity, and emerging diagnostics.

Her work can be accessed on PubmedGoogle ScholarResearchGate and ORCID.

Dr Shibal Bhartiya
Glaucoma • Second Opinion • Advanced Care

www.drshibalbhartiya.com
 +91 88826 38735

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