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.

These answers are drawn from real questions patients bring to the clinic: at first diagnosis, during follow-up, and when seeking a structured glaucoma second opinion in Gurgaon. If you do not find what you are looking for here, reach out directly.

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What is glaucoma? Can it be prevented?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, causing progressive and irreversible vision loss. It is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. Most people have no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.

Glaucoma cannot be prevented. However, early detection and consistent treatment can slow progression and protect functional vision for life. The key is finding it before the damage is done. This is why regular screening matters, especially if you carry a family history of glaucoma.

Glaucoma tests are painless. A standard screening includes a vision check and eye pressure measurement. Depending on your risk profile, your doctor may also recommend a visual field test, an OCT scan to measure nerve fibre thickness, and a gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle of the eye. Learn more about glaucoma diagnosis in Gurgaon.

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What puts me at risk for glaucoma?

Anyone above 40 should have an annual eye check. The following risk factors increase urgency significantly:

• Family history of glaucoma — the single strongest risk factor
• History of eye injury or trauma
• Long-term use of steroid medications, including eye drops, inhalers, or oral steroids
• Diabetes or thyroid disease
• History of migraines or vasospastic disorders such as Raynaud’s disease
• Sleep apnea
• Alzheimer’s disease
• High myopia (shortsightedness) or high hypermetropia (longsightedness)
• Symptoms such as frequent prescription changes, coloured haloes around lights, headaches with nausea, or sudden blurring of vision

Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered. Once nerve fibres are gone, they do not grow back. Regular eye exams are not optional if you carry these risk factors, they are what stand between you and preventable blindness. Understand glaucoma risk in depth here.

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What happens during a glaucoma check-up?

Bring all previous eye records, your current glasses, any eye drops you are using, and your full medical file: not just eye records. Conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, and thyroid disease all have relevance to glaucoma management.

Before you see the doctor, an optometrist will check your vision and eye pressure. Your doctor will then examine your optic nerve and retina. Additional tests may include a visual field test, an OCT scan, pachymetry (corneal thickness), a water drinking test, and a dilated eye exam.

After the tests, your doctor will explain findings clearly and outline a plan. Do not drive yourself to the appointment: your eyes may be dilated, which blurs vision for approximately three hours. Bring sunglasses.

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I have glaucoma. Will I go blind?

In most cases, no- provided care is consistent. With proper medical care, glaucoma blindness is avoidable. Patients who use their eye drops as prescribed, attend follow-up appointments, and respond to treatment adjustments generally retain their vision for life.

The variables that matter most are: how early the disease was detected, how well eye pressure is controlled, and how reliably treatment is continued. Glaucoma is not a condition where you treat it and forget it. It requires steady, long-term management.

If glaucoma has advanced significantly, surgery may be recommended to slow further progression. In cases with severe visual field constriction, low vision aids can support daily mobility and independence.

The most important thing you can do today is ask your doctor honest questions about your disease stage and what your realistic prognosis looks like with good adherence. Lifestyle changes that support glaucoma management are discussed here.

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How often should I see my doctor after a glaucoma diagnosis?

Frequency depends on disease severity, eye pressure control, and how stable your condition is. Here is a general framework:

• Glaucoma suspect: Annual review with full testing, more often if your doctor recommends it
• Early glaucoma, well-controlled: Every 6 to 12 months
• Moderate or advanced glaucoma, or poorly controlled pressure: Every 3 to 6 months
• After surgery: Intensive early follow-up, then gradual spacing as the eye stabilises

Even after surgery, eye drops may still be needed. Even if pressure is well-controlled, regular visits remain essential. Glaucoma can change silently. Gaps in follow-up are where damage accumulates.

If you are unsure whether your current follow-up schedule is appropriate, a structured glaucoma second opinion can provide clarity on both disease status and the right monitoring plan. Read more about glaucoma treatment planning here.

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How can I support a family member or partner who has glaucoma?

A glaucoma diagnosis can be frightening. The word carries the weight of possible blindness, even when the actual prognosis with treatment is good. Your most important role early on is reassurance: with consistent care, blindness is not the inevitable outcome.

Practically, you can help by:

• Reminding them to use their eye drops at the same time each day
• Driving them to clinic appointments, particularly when eyes are dilated
• Helping them track and attend follow-up visits
• Learning enough about the condition to ask informed questions during consultations
• Help them manage anxiety and depression through support, and medical help when required

If your family member has significant visual impairment, discuss visual rehabilitation options and low vision aids with their doctor. Support groups and rehabilitation services exist specifically for this. You do not have to navigate it alone. Read more about glaucoma and quality of life here.

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What does vision loss from glaucoma actually feel like?

This is one of the most important, and most misunderstood, aspects of glaucoma. Most patients feel nothing. Even significant visual field loss often goes unnoticed because the brain compensates automatically by filling in missing areas. This is why patients sometimes underestimate their own disease severity.

The Glaucoma SIM App, developed in partnership with MSD Pharmaceuticals, the International Glaucoma Association, and Moorfields Eye Hospital, allows you to simulate what progressive glaucoma field loss looks like over time. It is available on the Apple App Store (search: Glaucoma SIM). Verify availability for your region before downloading.

Understanding what is happening to your vision, even when you cannot feel it, is one of the strongest motivators for staying consistent with treatment.

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How do I choose a glaucoma doctor? When should I seek a second opinion?

A good glaucoma specialist listens carefully, explains your diagnosis in plain language, and makes treatment decisions transparently. Credentials matter: look for fellowship training in glaucoma, peer-reviewed publications, and clinical experience with complex cases including surgery.

A second opinion is not a sign of distrust. It is a standard part of managing a serious, lifelong condition. Seek one proactively if:

• You have been recently diagnosed and want to confirm the findings
• Your disease appears to be progressing despite treatment
• Surgery has been recommended and you want to understand all your options
• You are uncertain about your current treatment plan or follow-up schedule
• You have seen multiple doctors and received different advice

Dr Shibal Bhartiya offers structured glaucoma second opinions in Gurgaon, as well as online consultations for patients elsewhere in India. She works in partnership with your local doctor to guide care over time- you do not need to change your primary treating physician. Submit a second opinion request here.

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What are reliable resources for learning more about glaucoma?

Use these trusted sources for current, evidence-based information:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology — clinical guidelines and patient education
• National Eye Institute (NEI) — US National Institutes of Health glaucoma resource
• Glaucoma Research Foundation — patient-facing information and research updates
• World Glaucoma Association — global clinical standards
• ClinicalTrials.gov — ongoing research trials
• PubMed — peer-reviewed literature, including Dr Shibal Bhartiya’s published research
• Knowledge Series on this site — articles written by Dr Bhartiya for patients and caregivers
• Dr Bhartiya talks to one of her patients in this video, and answers her questions.

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Book a Glaucoma Evaluation or Second Opinion

Not sure about your diagnosis? Concerned about progression? Want clarity before agreeing to surgery? Dr Shibal Bhartiya brings over 25 years of fellowship-trained glaucoma expertise, Mayo Clinic research collaboration, and 90+ peer-reviewed publications to every patient evaluation.

Consultations are available in person at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Sector 56, Gurgaon, and online for patients outside the city. Book an appointment here or call +91 88826 38735. You can also submit a second opinion request 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.

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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. This article was edited in April 2026.

She has published peer-reviewed research on glaucoma management, 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.

Available on Pubmed and Google Scholar

Dr Shibal Bhartiya
Glaucoma • Second Opinion • Advanced Care

www.drshibalbhartiya.com
 +91 88826 38735

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