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Ocular Surface Diseases and Dry Eye Clinic

Dr. Akpek and the Dry Eye Team The Division of Cornea Services is pleased to announce the opening of the new Ocular Surface Diseases and Dry Eye Clinic with Esen K. Akpek, M.D., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology as its director. She is supported by the Dry Eye Team. Dr. Akpek is a specialist in the treatment of external diseases and immunological disorders of the eye.

Dr. Akpek is known for providing the best possible surgical and medical care to patients with dry eye and chronic problems of the surface of the eye. She performs surgeries to reconstruct the ocular surface, including lamellar and penetrating keratoplasty, amniotic membrane and scleral grafting, and limbal stem cell transplantation. Dr. Akpek is amongst a few ophthalmologists in the world extensively experienced with keratoprosthetic (artificial cornea) surgery, Dr. Akpek’s unique training in ocular immunology as well as corneal surgery makes her qualified in all aspects of the ocular surface.

The clinic is committed to the care and treatment of conditions affecting the ocular surface.

Clinic Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays.

Typical Conditions Treated:

Contact Information:

Primary care physicians, allergists, and general ophthalmologists should refer patients to:

Esen K. Akpek, M.D.
Karen Dunlap, O.D.
Michelle Hessen, O.D.
Mahsa Salehi, O.D.
Valerie Seligson, O.D.

Dry Eye Studies:

IF INTERESTED IN ANY DRY EYE STUDIES: Please call Shanna Ingrodi, Study Coordinator at 410-955-5214, or email singrod1@jhmi.edu.

Currently Enrolling

PROOF: A Multi-Center, Prospective, Observational Study of the PRogression Of Ocular Findings in Patients With Dry Eye Disease

Structure: This is a multi-center, prospective, controlled,observational study of the natural history of patients with dry eye disease. An estimated 200 dry eye patients and 40 to 50 gender- and age-matched controls will participate in the study.Patients will be allowed to use any artificial tears therapy, as needed, for their dry eye condition.

Duration: Approximately 2 years.

Controls: Gender- and age-matched control group of patients without evidence of chronic dry eye.

Dosage/Dose Regimen: Patients will be allowed to use any artificial tears therapy, as needed.

Visit Schedule: Screening, Baseline, Month 6, Month 12, Month 18 and Month 24/Exit. Unscheduled visits will be as needed.

Age Requirements: Males at least 55 years old; or females, at least 40 years old, with perimenopausal symptoms.

Contact lens wearers must agree to discontinue the use of contacts during the study.
You will be evaluated by the study staff for inclusion/exclusion/eligibility criteria.

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SICCA: International Research Registry Network for Sjögren's Syndrome

Objective: The purpose of this project is to develop an International Research Registry Network for Sjögren’s Syndrome comprised of established investigators in Argentina, China, Denmark, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), India, and the United States. The first objective is to develop standardized diagnostic criteria for Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS). Research on SS has been hampered by clinicians’ use of various non-standardized diagnostic/classification criteria. To better understand SS, the scientific community needs to develop and apply internationally recognized and applied classification criteria that will identify a consistent group of patients with this disease.

Study Design: This is a multicenter, international prospective cohort study of patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome and their family members.

Duration: There is only a one time study visit.

Testing Involved: Ophthalmology exam, rheumatology exam, dental exam, bloodwork, and salivary gland biopsy.

Requirements: Males or females age 21 or older with at least one of the following symptoms: dry mouth, dry eyes, previous diagnosis of Sjogrens syndrome, abnormal serology suggestive of autoimmune disease, bilateral parotid enlargement.