Dr. Nikolaos Trakos

• He was born in Athens and graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras.
  As a medical student, he was selected to enrich his clinical experience through training at the University of Cambridge Medical School in the United Kingdom, and he began his research activity at the Lund University Medical School in Sweden.
  Upon graduating from medical school, he obtained the ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) diploma from the American College of Surgeons.

  He completed the first part of his ophthalmology residency at the Ophthalmology Department of the University Hospital of Ioannina and continued the second part of his specialization in the United Kingdom.

  He further pursued subspecialty training as a Clinical Fellow at the Ophthalmology Department of Maidstone Hospital in the UK, under the auspices of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

  He subsequently completed three Fellowship programs in the subspecialty of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Oculoplastics).
  His main Fellowship was at Moorfields Eye Hospital, where he applied advanced surgical techniques for the management of Eyelid, Lacrimal System, and Orbital Disorders.

  He continued with a Fellowship in Oculoplastic Surgery at the Corneo-Plastic Unit of Queen Victoria Hospital, United Kingdom.
  He then extended his postgraduate training in the United States, at the Mayo Clinic and UCLA, followed by professional practice in private Oculoplastic Centers in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, Los Angeles, USA.

  His work on Eyelid, Lacrimal System, and Orbital diseases combines both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery in a balanced and comprehensive manner.

  He returned to Greece in 2007, introducing pioneering endoscopic and minimally invasive techniques, and assumed the position of Head of the Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department in several medical centers.

He completed his doctoral thesis on posterior capsular opacification.
Specifically, after performing a large series of phacoemulsification procedures — the most advanced method of cataract extraction — on rabbits, he followed up the operated animals and subsequently performed enucleations, applying modern orbital surgical techniques.

He then studied the development of secondary cataract in relation to different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) in an experimental rabbit model, both histopathologically and microscopically.

This extensive clinical, laboratory, and surgical research project was entirely organized and completed by him and contributed significantly to the improvement of intraocular lens design.

Based on this research program, he was awarded the title of Doctor of Medicine (PhD) by the Medical School of the University of Ioannina in 2010.

• Member of the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ESOPRS)
• Secretary of the International Society of Dacryology and Dry Eye (ISDDE)
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
• Member of the International Thyroid Eye Disease Society (ITEDS)

• Surgical and Emergency Medicine Physician, 251 Hellenic Air Force General Hospital, 1997–1998
• Private Practice Physician, 1999
• Ophthalmology Resident, University Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital of Ioannina, 2000–2003
• Clinical Fellow, Ophthalmology Department, Maidstone Hospital, Kent, UK, 2003
• Clinical Fellow (Subspecialty Training), Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK, 2004–2005
• Clinical Fellow, Corneo-Plastic Unit, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK, 2005
• Fellow, Eyesthetica Oculoplastic Center, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, USA, 2006
• Head of Eyelid, Lacrimal System & Orbit Unit, Mediterraneo Hospital, Glyfada, 2007–2009
• Director, Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery Department, Orasis Eye Center, Palaio Faliro & Athens, 2008–2011
• Head of Eyelid, Lacrimal System & Orbit Unit, Athens Eye Hospital, Glyfada, 2011–2012
• Head of Eyelid, Lacrimal System & Orbit Unit, Hygeia Hospital, Maroussi, 2013–2016

Teaching Experience

Instructor at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) over the past years (since 2007).

• “Periocular Rejuvenation With Fillers and BOTOX on Silicone Head Simulators” — Instructor in Course and Laboratory at the AAO 2015, Las Vegas, Nevada, November 14–17, 2015.
• “Orbital Decompression Surgery in Thyroid Orbitopathy and Orbital Tumors” — Lecture at the 18th Panhellenic Congress of Otorhinolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, October 15–18, 2015, Cultural & Conference Center of Patras, Greece.
• “Eyelid, Lacrimal System and Orbit Disorders: Diagnostic Approach and Management” — 90-minute lecture in the Postgraduate Educational Courses (Second Semester) of the University Ophthalmology Department, Medical School of Patras, February 18, 2015.
• “Periocular Rejuvenation With Fillers and BOTOX With 2-D Videos and Video-Assisted Teaching” — Instructor in Course and Lab at AAO 2014, held jointly with the European Society of Ophthalmology, Chicago, Illinois, October 18–21, 2014.
• “Inflammations and Tumors of the Orbit: Interaction with Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity. Management of Ocular and Orbital Disorders” — Lecture at the Postgraduate Courses of the Hellenic Society of Otorhinolaryngology, June 28, 2014.
• “Surgical Management of Thyroid Orbitopathy” — Lecture at the Postgraduate Courses of Hygeia Hospital, September 2014.
• “Current Techniques in Oculoplastic Surgery — Eyelids, Lacrimal and Orbital Diseases” — Lecture at the Annual Meeting of the Serbian Ophthalmological Society, Zlatibor, September 2013.
• “Current Techniques in Lacrimal Surgery” — Senior Instructor, Lecture in the Instruction Course of Oculoplastics at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Congress, October 24, 2011 and 2012, Orlando, USA.
• “Botox and Aesthetic Ophthalmology” — Lecture at the 43rd Panhellenic Ophthalmological Congress, May 26–30, 2010, Thessaloniki, Greece.
• “What to Consider Before Operating on the Anterior Segment: The Oculoplastic Perspective” — Lecture at the 24th International Congress of the Hellenic Society of Intraocular Implant and Refractive Surgery (HSIOIRS), February 4–7, 2010, Athens.
• “Management of Facial Nerve Palsy: Periocular Cosmesis and Dynamic Procedures” — Instructor, Lecture in the Instruction Course of Oculoplastics at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Congress, October 16–19, 2010, Chicago, USA.
• “Enucleation, Evisceration and Primary Orbital Implants” — Lecture at the Annual Meeting of the Serbian Ophthalmological Society, Novi Sad, October 2009.
• “The Necessity of Injecting Botulinum Toxin into the Pre-Punctal Pretarsal Orbicularis of the Lower Eyelid in Patients with Benign Essential Blepharospasm and Hemifacial Spasm” — Oral presentation at the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ESOPRS) Annual Meeting, September 12–14, 2009, Marseille, France.
• “Endoscopic Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy” — Lecture at the Oculoplastics Session, 8th Fyodorov Memorial Conference, Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russia, July 1–3, 2009.
  Also served as Chairperson at the Round Table Session on Lacrimal System Diseases during the same conference.
• “Powered Mechanical Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy” — Lecture at the Session on Current Techniques in Lacrimal Surgery during the APAO–AAO Joint Congress 2009, 24th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, Bali International Convention Center, Bali, Indonesia, May 16–19, 2009.
• Lectures on Orbit and Oculoplastics — Delivered at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines, July 9–11, 2008.
• “Physiology of the Lacrimal Drainage System – Problems of Tearing and Dry Eye” — Lecture to Ophthalmology Residents of the University and Teaching Hospitals of Athens, General State Hospital of Athens, October 2008.
• “Management of the Anophthalmic Socket” — Senior Instructor in the Course at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, November 13, 2007, New Orleans, USA.

He has participated as a speaker in more than 80 lectures, presentations, and round-table discussions at national and international conferences in Greece and abroad.

He returned to Greece in 2007, introducing pioneering endoscopic, laser, radiofrequency, and minimally invasive techniques, as well as procedures performed through non-visible micro-incisions (e.g. endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy).

Eyelid Surgery

• Blepharoplasty
• Ptosis correction
• Facial nerve palsy rehabilitation
• Ectropion and entropion repair
• Blepharospasm (eye twitching) management
• Eyelid tumor excision and reconstruction

Lacrimal System Surgery

• Epiphora (tearing) management – endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, punctal and canalicular plastic surgery
• Lacrimal gland tumors

Orbital Surgery

• Exophthalmos due to thyroid orbitopathy
• Orbital tumors
• Orbital fractures
• Trauma management
• Anophthalmic socket reconstruction
• Orbital grafting (artificial eye fitting)
• Reconstruction of the eye and periocular area following trauma, tumors, or burns

Aesthetic Ophthalmology

• Treatment of dark circles and “eye bags”
• Receives referrals from physicians of various specialties such as ophthalmologists, internists, dermatologists, ENT specialists, endocrinologists, and neurologists.
• Applies the most advanced and specialized minimally invasive aesthetic techniques including Botox, hyaluronic acid fillers, laser treatments, radiofrequency, plasma, and mesotherapy, achieving aesthetic rejuvenation of the eye and facial area.

The management of Dry Eye Syndrome, one of the most common ophthalmic conditions often resulting in red eyes, is performed using the most modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Research Interests

• Prevention and treatment of nasolacrimal duct and canalicular obstructions
• Diagnosis and management of Dry Eye Syndrome
• Treatment of orbital inflammations and thyroid eye disease
• Management of blepharospasm

• Elected Secretary of the International Society of Dacryology and Dry Eye (ISDDE), Naples, Italy, for the 2015–2017 term, and served as President of the World Congress of the International Society of Dacryology and Dry Eye, held in Athens in 2017.
• Elected Treasurer of the International Society of Dacryology and Dry Eye (ISDDE) for the 2012–2015 term, Manila, Philippines.
• Awarded the title of Doctor of Medicine (PhD), Medical School, University of Ioannina, 2010.
• Included in the Who’s Who publication (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 editions).
• Award of Appreciation as Lecturer on Orbit and Oculoplastics by the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines, 2008.
• Award for Being the Most Trying Member of the Staff — Cornea and Oculoplastics Course, Corneo-Plastic Unit, Queen Victoria Hospital, July 2005.

• Author of chapters in international textbooks on Oculoplastic Surgery, including “Aesthetic Oculofacial Rejuvenation”, published by Elsevier, which focuses on aesthetic rejuvenation of the eyes and face.
• • Translator of the book “A Manual of Systematic Eyelid Surgery” (3rd Edition) by J.R.O. Collin, who was also Dr. Trakos’s first mentor.
    This work represents the first comprehensive manual of oculoplastic surgery translated into the Greek language.

1. Dry Eye Disease in Routine Rheumatology Practice. Ziaragkali S, Kotsalidou A, Trakos N. Mediterr J Rheumatol. 2018 Sep 27;29(3):127-139. doi: 10.31138/mjr.29.3.127. eCollection 2018 Sep.PMID: 32185314 Free PMC article. Review.
2. Effect of Topical 5-Fluorouracil on Lacrimal Drainage System: Histopathological Evidence From Animal Experiments and Potential Clinical Implications. Singh S, Trakos N, Ali MJ. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023 May-Jun 01;39(3):288-292. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000002289. Epub 2022 Oct 20.PMID: 36356188

3. Lacrimal punctal and peripunctal involvement in calcinosis cutis. Bothra N, Ali MJ, Trakos N, Naik MN. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2018 May;66(5):720-722. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_1185_17.PMID: 29676330 Free PMC article.

4. Developing the rabbit canalicular injury model: Biophysical changes of masterka^Rstents and implications for future research. Singh S, Trakos N, Ali MJ. Ann Anat. 2021 Mar;234:151658. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2020.151658. Epub 2020 Dec 2.PMID: 33278580

5. Nonablative 4-MHz dual radiofrequency wand rejuvenation treatment for periorbital rhytides and midface laxity. Javate RM, Cruz RT Jr, Khan J, Trakos N, Gordon RE. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011 May-Jun;27(3):180-5. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0b013e3181fe8e5a.PMID: 21283035

6. Lacrimal Gland Botulinum Toxin Injection Versus Simple Glandular Needling: Histopathological and Electron Microscopic Evidence and Potential Clinical Implications. Trakos N, Singh S, Mishra DK, Ali MJ. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 May/Jun;36(3):263-267. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000001528.PMID: 31895730

7. A modified technique of retrograde intubation dacryocystorhinostomy for proximal canalicular obstruction. Trakos N et al. Clin Ophthalmol. 2009;3:681-4. doi: 10.2147/opth.s7790. Epub 2009 Dec 29. PMID: 20054416 

8. Spectrum and frequency of ophthalmologic manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective single-center study. Felekis T, Katsanos K, Kitsanou M, Trakos N, Theopistos V, Christodoulou D, Asproudis I, Tsianos EV. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2009 Jan;15(1):29-34. doi: 10.1002/ibd.20584.PMID: 18626979 Clinical Trial.

9. Findings of an experimental study in a rabbit model on posterior capsule opacification after implantation of hydrophobic acrylic and hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses. Trakos N, Ioachim E, Tsanou E, Aspiotis M, Psilas K, Kalogeropoulos C. Clin Ophthalmol. 2008 Dec;2(4):997-1005.PMID: 19668459 Free PMC article.

10. “Aesthetic Oculofacial Rejuvenation” Zilka, Haddad. Trakos: author of the book writing the chapter: Radiofrequencies and Infrared devices, Saunders-Elsevier editions, 2010

11. «Εκτίμηση της Θόλωσης του Οπισθίου Περιφακίου μετά από ένθεση διαφορετικών τύπων ενδοφακών σε πειραματικό μοντέλο κονίκλου», βιβλίο Διδακτορικής Διατριβής, Εκδόσεις Στεφανάκης – Ιατρική Σχολή- Πανεπιστήμιο Ιωαννίνων 2010

12. “Εvaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification after implantation of different Intraocular Lenses in a rabbit model”, in English, International Publication, Bausch& Lomb 2010.

13. “Manual of Systemic Eyelid Surgery”, Collin-Tyers.- Trakos translated in Greek.

14. Felekis T, Katsanos K, Kitsanou M, Trakos N, Theopistos V, Christodoulou D, Asproudis I, Tsianos EV. Spectrum and frequency of ophthalmologic manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A prospective single-center study. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008 Jul 14.

15. “Choroidal metastasis from breast carcinoma: Diagnostic signs” I. Asproudis, S. Gorezis, C. Kalogeropoulos, N. Trakos, K. Psilas Ophthalmologia, 2004: 16(2): 165-167

16. “Diagnostic and therapeutic approach of uveitis: results of a prospective study” Approche diagnostique et therapeutique des uveites: resultants d’ etude prospective. Kalogeropoulos, I. Asproudis, A. Kostoula, M. Psylla, N. Trakos, S. Levidiotou, K. Psylas. University of Ioannina, Greece. Journal Francais d’ Ophthalmologie Aprile 2003; Vol 26(1):168

17. “Apraxia of eyelid opening associated with blepharospasm. Treatment with frontalis sling and botulinum toxin” Ophthalmologia 2003. I. Asproudis, A. Nikas, N. Trakos, K. Psilas.

18. “Ocular findings in a patient with Waldenstrom’s disease” I. Asproudis, A. Panteli, N. Trakos, K. Bourantas, K. Psilas. Ophthalmologia, 2002:14(1):70-75.

19. “Embolization for the arteriovenous communications in the region of the cavernous sinus” I. Asproudis, A. Andreou, N. Trakos, K. Psilas. Greek Annals of Ophthalmology 2001:12(38); 247-254.

20. “Ocular diseases” of the book “Cecil Textbook of Medicine” 2001 (Goldman & Bennett – Saunders)  translated in Greek language, Paschalidis editions.
21. “General Gynecology and Obstetrics” (Novak’s), in collaboration with Dr. Creatzas (Professor and Chairman of Gynecology and Obstetrics –Medical School of Athens, January 1999) translated in Greek language– Paschalidis editions.