SARPER KARAKÜÇÜK

Prof. Sarper Karaküçük is a dedicated physician and academic with expertise in aviation and aerospace medicine. He holds the FAsMA fellowship from the Aerospace Medical Association (2020) and serves with Acıbadem Health Group since 2020. His work bridges clinical ophthalmology and the physiological challenges of flight and extreme environments. An active member of professional communities, he participates in the Turkish Ophthalmology Association, Aerospace Medicine Association, Aerospace Physiology Society, Aviation Medicine Association, and the American Alpine Club. This blend of clinical practice, aerospace training, and mountaineering affiliation reflects his focus on human performance, eye health in demanding settings, and safety in aviation and high-altitude environments.

Education

• 2020 FAsMA (Fellow, Aerospace Medical Association)
• 2019 AFAsMA (Associate Fellow, Aerospace Medical Association)
• 2005 Erciyes University Department of Ophthalmology / Professor
• 1999 Erciyes University Department of Ophthalmology / Associate Professor
• 1994 Research Fellow, Prince Charles Eye Clinic, King Edward VII Hospital, Windsor, England
• 1993 Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine Ophthalmology
• 1987 – 1988 Research Fellow, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, St. George’s Hospital, University of London and Institute of Ophthalmology, University of London, London, UK
• 1984 Ankara University Faculty of Medicine

Experience

• 2020 Acibadem Health Group
• 2015 – 2020 Anadolu Medical Center Eye Clinic and Aviation Medical Center, Gebze
• 2017 – 2019 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Civil Aviation Health High Council Member
• 2005 – 2015 Erciyes University / Department of Ophthalmology / Professor Dr.
• 2012 AME (Aeromedical Examiner; Flight Physician)
• 2006 – 2007 Member and Rapporteur of the European Union – European Commission / 6th and 7th Framework International Scientific Projects Evaluation Commission, Brussels, Belgium
• 1999 – 2004 Erciyes University / Department of Ophthalmology / Associate Professor Dr.
• 1996 – 1999 Erciyes University / Department of Ophthalmology / Assistant Professor
• 1994 – 1996 Erciyes University / Department of Ophthalmology / Lecturer. Assist.
• 1993 – 1994 Erciyes University / Department of Ophthalmology / Specialist
• 1989 – 1993 Erciyes University / Department of Ophthalmology / Araş. Gör

Memberships

• Turkish Ophthalmology Association
• Aerospace Medicine Association
• American Alpine Club
• Aviation Medicine Association
• Aerospace Physiology Society

Publications

• Lactoferrin: The Natural Protector of the Eye against Coronavirus-19
  Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, 2021 May, 29 (4):751-752. Alpogan O, Karakucuk S
• Changes in central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and oxidation/antioxidation parameters at high altitude
  Aviat Space Environ Med. 2012 Nov;83(11):1044-8. Karakucuk S, Mujdeci M, Baskol G, Arda H, Gumus K, Oner A.
• Effects of high altitude related oxidative stress on intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness: a research model for the etiology of glaucoma
  In: Glaucoma (2012) ISBN:978-953-308-90-3 Karakucuk S.
• Pattern electroretinographic recordings in eyes with myopia
  Eye Contact Lens 2009 Sep;35(5):238-41. Oner A, Gumus K, Arda H, Karakucuk S, Mirza E.
• Ocular blood flow in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).
  Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2008 Jan;246(1):129-34. Karakucuk S, Goktas S, Aksu M, Erdogan N, Demirci S, Oner A, Arda H, Gumus K.
• Experimental posterior perforating ocular injury in rabbit eyes: effects of radiotherapy with or without intravitreal cyclosporine on vitreous proliferation
  Ophthalmologica. 2006;220(1):6-11. Karakucuk S, Soyuer S, Oner AO, Soyuer I, Yaray K, Mirza E, Baskol G, Akin A.
• Serum paraoxonase 1 activity and lipid peroxidation levels in patients with age-related macular degeneration
  Ophthalmologica. 2006;220(1):12-6. Baskol G, Karakucuk S, Oner AO, Baskol M, Kocer D, Mirza E, Saraymen R, Ustdal M
• Serum paraoxonase activity is decreased in the active stage of Behçet’s disease
  Br J Ophthalmol 88: 1256-1258; 2004. Karakucuk S, Baskol G, Oner AO, Baskol M, Mirza E, Ustdal M.
• Color vision changes in young subjects acutely exposed to 3000 m altitude
  Aviat Space Environ Med 75 :364-366; 2004. Karakucuk S, Öner AÖ, Göktaş S, Sıkı E, Köse Ö.
• Nitric Oxide levels in Tears of Patients with mild forms of Papillary Conjunctivitis Induced by Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
  The CLAO Journal 28: 5-8; 2002. Karakucuk S, Mirza GE, Karakucuk I, Akal A, Er M.
• Tear nitrite and nitrate levels as nitric oxide end-products in patients with Behçet’s Disease and non-Behçet’s uveitis
  Ophthalmic Research 33: 48-51; 2001. Mirza GE, Karakucuk S, Er M, Gungormus N, Karakucuk I, Saraymen R.
• Intravitreal trovafloxacin against experimental Staphylococcus epidermidis endophthalmitis
  Ophthalmic Research 32 (2-3): 126-31; 2000. Karakucuk S, Mirza GE, Sumerkan B, Okten T.
• Ophthalmological effects of high altitude
  Ophthalmic Research 32: 30-40; 2000. Karakucuk S, Mirza GE.