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Sezen Karakus

Sezen Karakus, MD

Cornea and External Diseases

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking
4.9 of 5 stars156 ratings, 62 reviews

Highlights

Languages

  • Turkish
  • English

Gender

Female

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Sezen Karakus

Primary Academic Title

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Background

Sezen Karakus, M.D., is an assistant professor of ophthalmology specializing in corneal and external eye diseases, with a particular focus on ocular surface conditions in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome and ocular rosacea. Her expertise also extends to corneal diseases involving abnormal sensory nerves, such as neurotrophic keratitis and neuropathic corneal pain. She is skilled in performing routine and complex procedures, including cataract and intraocular lens surgeries, refractive surgeries, corneal transplants, ocular surface reconstructions and amniotic membrane transplantations.

At the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine's Ocular Surface Diseases and Dry Eye Clinic, she plays an integral role as a team member, providing her clinical insights and expertise. Additionally, she serves as an ophthalmologist in the Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) program at Hopkins. This unique position allows her to address dysautonomia-related neuropathic eye pain and ocular surface diseases in patients with POTS, combining her eye specialization with a focus on this specific medical condition. 

As a clinician-scientist, her research revolves around ocular surface diseases. Dr. Karakus is actively investigating the role of the ocular surface microbiome in the pathogenesis of ocular rosacea. Her involvement in the NIH U24 Ocular Surface Microbiome Consortium allows her to collaborate with fellow experts in the field to standardize research methrods and develop validated protocols for studying the ocular surface microbiome.

Another area of research interest for Dr. Karakus involves serological and tear biomarkers in Sjögren's disease. Through a longitudinal study, she aims to determine the utility of tissue-specific autoantibodies for early diagnosis of Sjögren's disease in patients with dry eyes. Understanding the broader impact of Sjögren's disease on the peripheral and central nervous systems is crucial, as it can manifest as severe ocular surface disease with diminished corneal sensation (neurotrophic keratitis) or intense eye pain without significant ocular surface disease (neuropathic corneal pain). 

Her clinical expertise and research contributions have earned Dr. Karakus recognition regionally and nationally, as evidenced by her role as a consultant in complex dry eye and ocular surface diseases. She takes pride in her dedication to advancing the understanding of ocular surface conditions and providing the best possible care for patients. 

By combining her specialization in corneal and external eye disease with her involvement in the POTS program and cutting-edge research on ocular surface diseases, Dr. Karakus strives to make a significant impact on patient care and contribute to the advancement of ophthalmology and related fields. 

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

  • Study investigates biomarkers of Sjögren’s syndrome-related dry eye - Healio (Jun. 2020)

Research Interests

dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, ocular rosacea, Ocular surface diseases, ocular surface inflammation, ocular surface microbiome, serological markers, Sjogren's syndrome, tear film

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II STE 455, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
      • 4940 Eastern Avenue, Bayview Medical Offices, Level 01 (G), Clinic 3, Baltimore, MD 21224
      • The Johns Hopkins Hospital
        • 1800 Orleans Street, Maumenee Lobby, Baltimore, MD 21287

        Expertise

        Education

        Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

        Fellowship, Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery, 2018

        Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

        Fellowship, Cornea, external Diseases & Refractive Surgery, 2017

        Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital

        Residency, Ophthalmology, 2011

        Trakya University Faculty of Medicine

        Medical Education, MD, 2006

        Insurance

        Johns Hopkins providers accept various commercial health insurance plans. However, they may not be included in all of an insurance company's plans or offerings. This may include Exchange, Medicaid, Medicare, and specific limited benefit plans. Exceptions to participation also exist based on your employer’s benefits package and the provider's location or specialty. Please contact your insurer directly to make sure your doctor is covered by your plan. For more details, please review our Insurance Information.
        Search plans
        • Aetna
        • CareFirst
        • Cigna
        • First Health
        • Geisinger Health Plan
        • HealthSmart/Accel
        • Humana
        • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
        • MultiPlan
        • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
        • Point Comfort Underwriters
        • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
        • UnitedHealthcare
        • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

        Ratings & Reviews

        4.9 out of 5

        156 ratings, 62 reviews

        The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

        Overall Rating by Patient
        Average provider Overall Rating by Patient rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
        Provider Listened Carefully
        Average provider Provider Listened Carefully rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
        Provider Explained Things Clearly
        Average provider Provider Explained Things Clearly rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
        Provider Knew Medical History
        Average provider Provider Knew Medical History rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
        Provider Showed Respect
        Average provider Provider Showed Respect rating 5 out of 5 stars
        Provider Spent Enough Time
        Average provider Provider Spent Enough Time rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
        Search reviews
          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 2/18/2025

          Very personable, knowledgeable and kind. Answered my questions, explained everything. Totally confident and comfortable with the dr.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 2/13/2025

          Very caring and thorough

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 2/13/2025

          Without a doubt, Dr. Karakus is the best! If I could rate her as a 10+, I would.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 2/11/2025

          Dr Karakus was very good in her field and very kind to her patients.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 1/30/2025

          Outstanding provider - very knowledgeable and professional

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 1/28/2025

          The doctor was fine. Always explains things clearly.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 1/21/2025

          Fabulous doctor

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 1/9/2025

          Dr. Karakus is one of the finest doctors I have had the privilege of seeing. She is meticulous, caring, extremely knowledgeable. The consummate professional. The gold standard for what doctors should be.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 12/17/2024

          Dr. Karakus is one of the best doctors I have had. She has concern for her patients and goes out of her way to help.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 12/12/2024

          Excellent doctor. Provides all answers to my questions. Takes her time to address any concerns.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 12/10/2024

          She is great !

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/14/2024

          Dr Karakus is excellent. It shows how much she cares

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/14/2024

          Very professional, knowledgeable and courteous. A pleasure to speak with. She communicated my test results and next steps and my choices perfectly.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/14/2024

          Dr. Karakus is a superb ophthalmologist.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/14/2024

          Very competent, respectful, pleasant, good communication skills

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/14/2024

          Dr Karakus is GREAT!!!!!!

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/14/2024

          Excellent provider very thorough

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/5/2024

          Dr Karakus is outstanding

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/5/2024

          Excellent

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 11/5/2024

          She's knowledgeable, friendly and efficient.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 10/31/2024

          Provided confidence in me that I was in good hANDS

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 10/29/2024

          She took the time talk to me about concerns and examine me make sure everything was good

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 10/17/2024

          Dr.karakus,is the total package.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 10/17/2024

          She is warm and kind, and very professional. She was thorough and answered all of my questions.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 10/10/2024

          Dr Karakus is amazing in every way.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 10/10/2024

          I am very pleased with this provider!

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 10/8/2024

          Would give Dr Karakus an 11 out of 10 - terrific doctor - careful, good listener, pleasant

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 10/3/2024

          She is very kind and seems caring. Very knowledgeable.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 9/19/2024

          Outstanding provider. Kind, knowledgeable, decisive.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 9/17/2024

          The provider was very courteous and attentive. Excellent experience.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 9/17/2024

          My previous doctor became unavailable for unknown reasons.I was then referred to Dr. Karakus. She was excellent.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 9/12/2024

          Very knowledgeable and listened so carefully. She was very kind and really inspired confidence. One of the best doctors I have ever had!!

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 9/10/2024

          My provider was thorough, passionate compassion. Explain my procedures in every step of the way and she was very caring.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 9/3/2024

          Excellent provider

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 9/3/2024

          Dr. Karakus is so kind and very caring. She knows exactly what I need.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 8/27/2024

          She has been an extremely competent, kind and compassionate provider of expert analysis and treatment for a host of my vexing eye problems. She explains these conditions thoroughly and engages with me about choices for next steps. I hate to drive, but don't mind driving to Baltimore from the eastern shore when my eye problems require her attention.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 8/8/2024

          Both the assistant, [ ] , and Dr.Karakus, are extremely competent, knowledgeable, caring, and easy to communicate with. I am thankful to have such terrific care!

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 8/7/2024

          She was very nice and knowledgeable. Good bedside manner and taught me about the test she was running with some additional fun facts that kept me engaged

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 8/1/2024

          Thoughtful, knowledgeable, kind

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 7/30/2024

          I referred my wife to her

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 7/25/2024

          Dr. Karakus has been extremely helpful in treating my chronic eye condition and I finally have a diagnosis and understand how to treat me condition to avoid flare ups.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 7/23/2024

          She is the best eye physician ever. I would recommend her to anyone needing an eye doctor.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 7/18/2024

          Really liked her.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 7/11/2024

          Dr Karakus is excellent. I was offered other providers when the appointment location was changed but it was worth the extra drive to see her. Excellent, caring physician who obviously cares about my health

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 6/27/2024

          Kind, gentle, good communicator

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 6/27/2024

          One of the best doctors I have ever seen. Extremely thorough. Excellent communicator.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 6/25/2024

          Dr. Kerakus provides outstanding care.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 6/18/2024

          This provider was excellent. She walked me through step by step of everything regarding my cataracts from X-rays to surgery

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 6/18/2024

          The best. Shares technical info on relevant conditions and treatments easily.Dr

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 6/13/2024

          Dr. Karakus is excellent. She is thorough, caring and compassionate. She is extremely knowledgeable about my specific medical and ophthalmic problems and I don't really want to see anyone else to take of them.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 6/11/2024

          Dr. Karakus is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day!

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 6/4/2024

          Dr Karakus is wonderful. Knowledgeable, compassionate and friendly. I feel lucky to have her as my provider.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 5/28/2024

          It's wonderful to have such brilliant providers at Wilmer. She's amazing.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 5/23/2024

          The provider was very professional, informative and congenial.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 5/23/2024

          Dr Karakus has excellent knowledge & great clinical expertise. She checks extensively during the visit to detect any problems & completes tests that will greatly improve my health. Dr Karakus has performed procedures in the clinic such aa removing foreign bodies which helped me to heal well. She is very patient-oriented as well as kind and compassionate and speaks well of her assistant & team.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 5/16/2024

          Very warm, extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to patient care.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 5/14/2024

          Excellent

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 4/25/2024

          Dr. Karakus is an excellent dry eye specialist. I have no complaints about her at all.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 4/25/2024

          Dr. Karakus is always very responsive, patient, explains options in detail, makes sure that all questions and concerns are addressed. Makes sure that the patient knows she is available through the portal if additional questions arise. I followed Dr. Karakus from her Howard County location.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 4/25/2024

          I am very confident in this doctor.

          5 out of 5 stars
          Reviewed on 4/16/2024

          I feel like I get the best care from Dr. Karakus