Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Dr. Brian D. Krawitz, MD

Glaucoma Specialist & Cataract Surgeon

Providing world-class medical and surgical management of advanced eye conditions, specializing in microinvasive therapies and modern vision restoration in Queens, New York City.

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Dr. Brian Krawitz, MD
Current Practice Cohen Eye Institute
Specialization Glaucoma & Cataract Surgery
Certifications American Board of Ophthalmology

About Dr. Krawitz

Dr. Brian D. Krawitz, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained eye surgeon providing elite surgical care for cataracts and complex glaucoma. His clinical focus centers on advanced lens implants, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), and comprehensive drop-free treatment interventions for patients throughout the New York City metro area.

He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his medical degree with honors from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Following his ophthalmology residency at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he also served as Chief Resident, Dr. Krawitz finished an intensive clinical and microsurgical glaucoma fellowship at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Tailored Strategies for Maximizing Visual Quality

Dr. Krawitz rejects a cookie-cutter mentality when evaluating degenerative vision loss and elevated eye pressure. Every protocol is built from the ground up to match an individual's personal lifestyle demands and physical eye anatomy. He frequently provides specialized treatment tracks for patients who:

  • Desire optimized crispness following cataract removal to limit their reliance on distance or reading glasses.
  • Are interested in laser-guided vision correction pathways and specialized micro-engineered lens styles.
  • Require simultaneous management for coexisting cataracts and structural ocular hypertension.
  • Face progressive optic nerve damage that demands advanced surgical intervention.
  • Hope to drop or minimize their current burden of prescriptive glaucoma ocular drops.
  • Are exploring analytical second opinions for complex or high-risk anterior segment cases.

Core Medical Specialties

  • Customized Cataract Interventions: Integrating state-of-the-art lens selections and high-precision mapping to achieve crisp post-operative outcomes. Surgical choices feature premium astigmatism-correcting (toric), multifocal, and extended depth of focus (EDOF) optics alongside computer-guided laser assistance.
  • Advanced Glaucoma Microsurgery: Providing full-spectrum pressure control ranging from foundational non-invasive lasers to intricate internal drainage filtering. Specialized therapies include modern tracking diagnostics, slow-release medical implants (Durysta), internal MIGS bypass shunts, and complex filtration revisions for severe visual deterioration.
Dr. Krawitz alongside colleagues in the O.R. at the Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary Dr. Krawitz (far left) alongside colleagues in the O.R. at the Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary

Ophthalmic Media & Surgical Case Studies

View operating room recordings, visual physics explanations, and modern surgical modifications led by Dr. Krawitz.

Dr. Krawitz YouTube Channel of Complex Eye Surgeries

Professional Fellowships & Society Memberships

Fellow

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

Elected Member

American Glaucoma Society (AGS)

Practicing Member

American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does premium cataract surgery mean?

Unlike standard choices, premium cataract operations rely on sophisticated intraocular lens technologies and meticulous algorithmic mappings to drastically elevate sharp focus. It is highly beneficial for individuals aiming to fulfill specific active lifestyle goals or dramatically limit their requirement for glasses.

2. Is it safe to fix cataracts and address glaucoma during a single operation?

Yes, a coordinated surgical plan is quite common. For individuals suffering from both concerns, combining cataract removal with micro-stents or canal implants enables the surgeon to drop internal fluid tension and scale back medication requirements while concurrently restoring clarity.

3. What distinct surgical treatments does Dr. Krawitz offer for glaucoma?

Dr. Krawitz covers the entire therapeutic spectrum. This encompasses targeted in-office laser treatments, internal slow-release prescription pellets, microinvasive bypass channels (MIGS), and deep incisional filtration strategies for cases displaying advanced signs of field loss.

4. Is lifelong reliance on prescriptive eye drops required for all glaucoma patients?

No. While topical drops serve as an initial defensive baseline, alternative outpatient options like cold-laser applications, microstents, or sustained medication release inserts can frequently substitute for daily drops. Care is always mapped to reduce the side-effect and administrative burden on the patient while protecting the optic nerve.

5. Why is early diagnosis and structural tracking so vital?

Glaucoma is frequently termed a silent condition because it destroys peripheral visibility without initial discomfort or obvious warning. Rapid programmatic mapping and structural tracking ensure treatment modifications occur quickly enough to block irreversible vision damage over time.

Academic Foundations & Scientific Publications

Dr. Krawitz remains a driving force in ophthalmic clinical research, specializing in novel imaging frameworks like optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to map early structural signs of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Scientific Publications

  1. Campagnoli TR, Krawitz BD, Lin J, White EC, Albini TA, Davis J, Scherbakova I, Chen RWS. Salmon patch-associated vitreous hemorrhage in non-proliferative sickle cell retinopathy masquerading as posterior uveitis. American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports. (Under review).
  2. Dar S, De Moraes CG, Karani R, Khan S, Chen R, Blumberg D, Harizman N, Krawitz B, Valenzuela IA, Aliancy J, Tezel T, Horowitz J, Bearelly S, Coleman DJ, Chang S, Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Patient Concerns Regarding Suspended Ophthalmic Care Due to COVID-19. J Glaucoma. 2021 Aug 1;30(8):750-757. PMID: 33979109.
  3. Krawitz BD, Sirinek P, Doobin D, Nanda T, Ghiassi M, Horowitz JD, Liebmann JM, De Moraes CG. The challenge of managing bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma in the presence of active SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Glaucoma. 2021 Mar 1;30(3):e50-e53. PMID: 33337718.
  4. Krawitz BD, Misra P, Bearelly S, Al-Aswad LA. Late-onset angle closure in pseudophakic eyes with posterior chamber intraocular lenses. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2020 Dec;46(12):e48-e51. PMID: 32991504.
  5. Chumdermpadetsuk R, Tooley AA, Godfrey KJ, Krawitz B, Feldstein N, Kazim M. Renal medullary carcinoma with metastasis to the temporal fossa and orbit. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 Nov/Dec;35(6):e149-e151. PMID: 31574041.
  6. Rosen RB, Andrade Romo JS, Krawitz BD, Mo S, Fawzi AA, Linderman R, Carroll J, Pinhas A, Chui TYP. Earliest evidence of preclinical diabetic retinopathy revealed using OCT angiography (OCTA) perfused capillary density. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019 Jul;203:103-115. PMID: 30689991.
  7. Lynch G, Andrade Romo JS, Linderman R, Krawitz BD, Mo S, Zakik A, Carroll J, Rosen RB, Chui TYP. Within-subject assessment of foveal avascular zone enlargement in different stages of diabetic retinopathy using en face OCT reflectance and OCT angiography. Biomed Opt Express. 2018 Nov 5;9(12):5982-5996. PMID: 31065407.
  8. Krawitz BD, Phillips E, Bavier RD, Mo S, Carroll J, Rosen RB, Chui TY. Parafoveal nonperfusion analysis in diabetic retinopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2018 Jul 12;7(4):4. PMID: 30009090.
  9. Geyman LS, Suwan Y, Garg R, Field MG, Krawitz BD, Mo S, Pinhas A, Ritch R, Rosen RB. Noninvasive detection of mitochondrial dysfunction in ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma. J Glaucoma. 2018 Jul;27(7):592-599. PMID: 29750714.
  10. Pinhas A, Linderman R, Mo S, Krawitz BD, Geyman LS, Carroll J, Rosen RB, Chui TY. A method for age-matched OCT angiography deviation mapping in the assessment of disease-related changes to the radial peripapillary capillaries. PLoS One. 2018 May 24;13(5):e0197062. PMID: 29795576.
  11. Krawitz BD, Mo S, Geyman LS, Agemy SA, Scripsema NK, Garcia PM, Chui TY, Rosen RB. Acircularity index and axis ratio of the foveal avascular zone in diabetic eyes and healthy controls measured by optical coherence tomography angiography. Vision Res. 2017 Oct;139:177-186. PMID: 28212983.
  12. Geyman LS, Garg R, Suwan Y, Trivedi V, Krawitz BD, Mo S, Ritch R, Pinhas A, Chui TY, Rosen RB. Peripapillary perfused capillary density in primary open-angle glaucoma across disease stage: An optical coherence tomography angiography study. Br J Ophthalmol. 2017 Sep;101(9):1261-1268. PMID: 28148529.
  13. Mo S, Phillips E, Krawitz BD, Garg R, Salim S, Geyman LS, Efstathiadis E, Carroll J, Rosen RB, Chui TY. Visualization of radial peripapillary capillaries in optical coherence tomography angiography: The effect of image averaging. PLoS One. 2017 Jan 9;12(1):e0169385. PMID: 28068370.
  14. Scripsema NK, Garcia PM, Bavier RD, Chui TY, Krawitz BD, Mo S, Agemy SA, Xu L, Lin YB, Panarelli JF, Sidoti PA, Tsai JC, Rosen RB. Optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of perfused peripapillary capillaries in primary open-angle glaucoma and in normal-tension glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016 Jul 1;57(9):OCT611-OCT620. PMID: 27742922.
  15. Mo S, Krawitz B, Efstathiadis E, Geyman L, Weitz R, Chui TY, Carroll J, Dubra A, Rosen RB. Imaging foveal microvasculature: Optical coherence tomography angiography versus adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope fluorescein angiography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016 Jul 1;57(9):OCT130-40. PMID: 27409463.
  16. Chui TY, Mo S, Krawitz B, Menon NR, Choudhury N, Gan A, Razeen M, Shah N, Pinhas A, Rosen RB. Human retinal microvascular imaging using adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy. Int J Retina Vitreous. 2016 May 1;2:11. PMID: 27847629.
  17. Golden S, Christoffel D, Heshmati M, Guise K, Pfau M, Aleyasin H, Hodes G, Flanigan M, Bregman D, Khibnik L, Tai J, Rebusi N, Krawitz B, Chaudhury D, Walsh J, Han M, Shapiro M, Russo SJ. Basal forebrain projections to the lateral habenula modulate aggression reward. Nature. 2016 Jun 30;534(7609):688-92. PMID: 27357796.

Scientific Presentations & Selected Abstracts

  • Krawitz BD, De Moraes CG, Cioffi GA, Girkin CA, Fazio M, Bowd C, Weinreb RN, Zangwill LM, Liebmann JL. The effect of trabeculectomy on rates of visual field progression and retinal nerve fiber layer thinning. ARVO Annual Meeting. May 2021. Paper presentation.
  • Krawitz BD, Breazzano MP, Tezel TH. Impact of pseudophakia in identification of retinal breaks prior to retinal detachment surgery. ARVO Annual Meeting. June 2020. Online Abstract.
  • Krawitz BD. Sickle cell retinopathy: An unusual presentation. 2nd Annual NYC Retina & Uveitis Symposium. New York, NY, November 2019. Oral presentation.
  • Rosen RB, Pinhas A, Romo J, Krawitz B, Mo S, Linderman R, Carroll J, Weitz R, Landa G, Chui T. Earliest detection of preclinical diabetic retinopathy using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) perfused capillary density. Retina Society 51st Annual Scientific Meeting. San Francisco, CA, September 2018. Oral presentation.