
Sezen Karakus, MD, MPH
Cornea and External Diseases
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- Turkish
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
FemaleJohns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Sezen Karakus
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Sezen Karakus, M.D., M.P.H., 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 methods 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.
Find a Clinical Trial
View all trials by this principal investigator.
Videos
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
PubMed - Publications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Sezen+Karakus+OR+Karakus+SH
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10753 Falls Road, Pavilion II STE 455, Lutherville, MD 21093
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-583-2800
- fax: 410-583-2842
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
- 4940 Eastern Avenue, Bayview Medical Offices, Level 01 (G), Clinic 3, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-955-5080
- fax: 410-550-2231
Expertise
Education
- Graduate School: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2025
- Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery, 2018
- Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Cornea, external Diseases & Refractive Surgery, 2017
- Residency: Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology, 2011
- Medical Education: Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, MD, 2006
Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
150 ratings, 75 reviewsThe 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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/6/2026
Post-op visit the day after cataract surgery. Dr Karakus very carefully explained post-op care and made several referrals for other providers (which I requested for Sjogren's specialists).
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
She is a passionate caring doctor who is very thorough. You don't find this much. It is sad that she is leaving. She will be hard to replace. But, I will follow the doctors to their new location.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Dr Karakus is so caring & wonderful. I will miss her dearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Dr Karakus Is an excellent eye doctor. Her presence will be greatly missed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Dr. Karakus was excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
EXCELLENT. WONDERFUL, COMPASSIONATE, AND CARING!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
The coordination of care was seamless and very well organized. The physician demonstrated exceptional expertise, professionalism, and thoroughness during the consultation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
She has been a good doctor for my particular problem. However, I am sorry she is leaving and I will have to have a different dr
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr Karakus is wonderful. So kind and compassionate. She's caring and concerned. Very thorough in her exam. I'm grateful to experience her expert care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr. Sezen Karakus is the best doctor and most helpful detailed most patient doctor I have ever seen. She knows her stuff and is top of her area. She goes above and beyond for her patient and explains everything in a way you can understand. It is Johns Hopkins biggest loss to loose her in her leave.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Dr. Karakus is an excellent provider and demonstrates the skills, care, and knowledge all provider should aspire to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
My provider answered all my questions and put me at ease before the surgery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Great doctor in every respect.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Dr Karakus has helped me. I'm very sorry she's leaving.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
She is a star!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Provider was excellent, professional and knowledgeable, as well as courteous.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr Karakus was wonderful! She was caring and knowledgeable about my chronic conditions that are not well known and worked with me to ensure my safety.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
This provider is always running so late. We didn't see the doctor until 2.5 hours after we arrived. We got a text that I was next in line but still waited 37 minutes until I was called back. Everyone is so nice amd doctor is good but the time is outrageous and this is every time I go here
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr. Karakus is a caring, patient doctor. Her focus is providing the best possible care. She answered my questions regarding the cataract surgery. She was specific on expectations for my vision. She is a highly competent surgeon.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr. Karakus is a superb ophthalmologist whom I trust. (I don't trust all or many doctors.)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Very excellent careshe listened to me and I listened to her and I'm very happy with my Doctor!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Outstanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
My provider was attentive and reassuring and I really appreciated her advice and care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
She's excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Dr Karakus was a pleasure just an amazing lady really knowledgeable and kind as well!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Very competent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Absolutely amazing experience and appreciate Dr Karakus. She needs help and hope you are finding replacements. Hate to see leave given her workload has doubled / tripled
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Dr Karakus is thoughtful and knowledgeable physician. I am confident that she is current with the most recent options to give me safe and effective care. She is conscious of my expenses and offers available alternatives. Explains everything well for my complex dry eye condition.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
I consider Dr. Karakus a most caring physician. She is obviously gifted in many ways. My biggest ""problem"" in communication with Dr. Karakus is MY deafness and her accent. That is NOT her fault, but it has caused me concern that I am not understanding all that she is so well versed to communicate.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
The doctor was very good as was the tech I saw initially
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Professional and beautiful spirits very lovely experience with her
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
The only thing I have complaint about is that waiting period is too long. I understand that Dr. Karakus has many patients and very busy, not sure if anything can be done about long waiting time from your actual appointment time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2025
Dr. Karakus is thorough, very knowledgeable and kind!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
Excellent visit with good communication!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
I really had a goo visit with my Doctor. It was the first visit I ever had with her.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
She is educated & very kind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
Excellent
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
The provider was pleasant, patient and prepared to give me the Information I was there to hear.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/9/2025
The doctor was very good and addressed my concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/4/2025
Excellent and very clear
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2025
Dr Karakus is excellent. Kind and compassionate with excellent fund of knowledge.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
She was amazing. She listened carefully to what I had to say, was very thoughtful, and actually cared. She was the best provider I have seen in years.
- 2 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
Since the doctor was running so late she appeared to be distracted.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
An exceptional Doctor. Extremely knowledgeable, caring, great listener, asked multiple questions. Was very exacting in her testing and diagnosis. Given an extremely complicated health history with multiple brain surgeries and other very serious illnesses, Dr. Karakus has always been meticulous in her care and treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2025
Dr karakus is wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Waited 1 hour after visit started to see the provider. No one said she was behind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
This was an outstanding experience. I felt that Dr karakus was professional, caring, thorough, and truly listened to me!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
She's courteous, knowledgeable/expert on her field of ophthalmology and good listener to my concerns about cataract surgery, and tries to make me understand of some complications that may arise with the procedure, which to me is always possible ..!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2025
Dr. Karakus is a very conscience and personable provider. She was excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
Dr. Karakus is a wonderful doctor. She is thorough, knowledgeable and on the forefront of her field. I'm lucky I have her to care for m.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2025
One of the best doctors I've ever seen.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
Highly competent and kind
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
Provider is wonderful once in the room. I know she cares for my well being and is seeking options to help me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
She is thorough, competent , compassionate, thoughtful and very precautiotiusly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
EXCELLENT DOCTOR TAKES HER TIME AND EXPLAINS THINGS TOO!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Dr. Karakus is an amazing physician, and I wish that there were more like her. She is warm and kind and explains everything in detail.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2025
Wonderful, as described below:""Dr. Karakus is a very caring and knowledgeable person. She listens carefully and explains her thinking and the options available. I feel fortunate to have had her as my specialist doctor over the past few years.""
- 2 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/12/2025
Medically an excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Dr. Karakus is exceptional. She is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, attentive, insightful, and thoughtful. She is kind, patient, and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Excellent and compassionate professional. Very good with respectful and informative information.Dr. Sezen
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/27/2025
Dr. Karakus is very attentive and a good listener.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
First visit. I was most impressed
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2025
Clear, succinct, precise and caring. Very professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/15/2025
Keep up the good work!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2025
Sezen Karakus is a highly skilled and knowledgable physician. This was my first exam with her and it was one of the most thorough I've ever had. She also had a resident and a fellow with her to observe and participate. I'm sure they gained insights into her thinking and her patient care philosophy. Dr. Karakus builds rapport and trust with patients and will be my regular ophthalmologist.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
The best experience with doctor I have ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2025
I find Dr Karakus to be a knowledgeable and compassionate ophthalmologist. I believe I'm in good hands under her care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2025
Excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2025
She is an outstanding member of your faculty who is very pleasant, kind and does a terrific job in patient care!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2025
So glad to have her as my eye doctor! She's great and so knowledgeable