Dr. Sezen Karakus

Biography

Sezen Karakus, M.D., M.P.H., is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology specializing in corneal external eye diseases. With a particular focus on ocular surface conditions in patients with autoimmune inflammatory disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome and ocular rosacea, she is also skilled in managing corneal diseases associated with abnormal sensory nerves, including neurotrophic keratitis and neuropathic corneal pain. Dr. Karakus performs both routine and complex procedures including cataract surgeries, refractive surgeries, corneal transplants, and ocular surface reconstructions such as amniotic membrane transplantations. As a member of the Wilmer Eye Institute's Ocular Surface Diseases Dry Eye Clinic at Johns Hopkins Medicine, she provides clinical insights and expertise. In addition, her role within the Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) program allows her to address neuropathic eye pain in patients with POTS. Her research interests include the ocular surface microbiome's role in the pathogenesis of ocular rosacea and the investigation of serological tear biomarkers for early diagnosis of Sjögren's disease. She is actively involved in the NIH U24 Ocular Surface Microbiome Consortium, aiming to standardize research methods in this field. Dr. Karakus has gained regional and national recognition for her clinical expertise and research contributions, focusing on advancing the understanding and treatment of ocular surface conditions.

Research Interests