Clinical Faculty
CLINICAL EXPERTISE:
Cataract & Complex Cataract Extraction and Intraocular Lens Implantation
Corneal & External Disease (including corneal dystrophies, corneal edema, corneal infections,
pterygium, keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, irregular astigmatism, corneal ectasia,
ocular surface neoplasia, ocular surface disease)
Corneal Transplantation
Intraocular Lens Exchange
Secondary Intraocular Lens Placement
Refractive Surgery (including LASIK, PRK, astigmatism correction, refractive lens exchange)
CONTACT INFORMATION
301 E. Muhammed Ali Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40202
Telephone: 502-852-5466 Fax: 502-852-8550
E-mail: sa.balakrishnan@louisville.edu
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
A.B., Chemistry: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; 2005
GRADUATE EDUCATION
M.D.: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; 2009
POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION
Internship, Internal Medicine: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of
Medicine; St. Louis, MO; 2009-2010
Ophthalmology Residency: University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center; Ann Arbor, MI; 20102013
Fellowship in Cornea, Anterior Segment, and Refractive Surgery: Baylor College of Medicine;
Houston, TX; 2013-2014
CERTIFICATION:
American Board of Ophthalmology - Certified, 2014.
LICENSURE:
Kentucky, Indiana, Texas, Virginia
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND AFFILIATIONS
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
The Cornea Society
CLINICAL INTERESTS:
My clinical practice is centered on the anterior segment of the eye. I specialize in cataract and
complex cataract surgery, surgical and medical management of corneal and anterior segment
pathology, and refractive surgery.
Cataract
I have expertise in the management of cataracts, complex cataracts (including such conditions
as zonular loss, traumatic cataracts), and lens subluxation or dislocation. I offer standard and
femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. I aim to optimize refractive outcomes in cataract
surgery for all patients by providing options for premium intraocular lens for astigmatism or
presbyopia correction, corneal relaxing incisions for astigmatism, and monovision correction
when appropriate. A cataract consultation will include a detailed discussion of all appropriate
options for the individual patient prior to deciding on a plan. I also focus in the management of
intraocular lens complications, to include intraocular lens exchanges or revisions and secondary
intraocular lens placement.
Cornea & External Disease
I provide medical and surgical management for all corneal and external disease, with a
particular focus in corneal transplantation (endothelial keratoplasty, lamellar keratoplasty, and
penetrating keratoplasty). I offer treatment for a range of conditions to include but not limited to
corneal dystrophies, corneal edema, corneal infections, chemical burns, pterygium,
conjunctivochalasis, ocular surface neoplasia, and ocular surface disease.
Refractive Surgery
I am interested in the management of refractive error beyond spectacle and contact lens
correction. I offer options of LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis using IntraLase
technology), PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), astigmatism correction, and refractive lens
exchange. I emphasize the importance of thorough screening to determine whether a patient is
an appropriate candidate for refractive surgery to ensure safety and optimum outcomes.
PUBLICATIONS:
Brush JE JR, Balakrishnan SA, Brough J, Hartman C, Hines G, Liverman DP, Parker JP, Rich
J, Tindall N. Implementation of a Continuous Quality Improvement Program for Percutaneous
Coronary Intervention and Cardiac Surgery at a Large Community Hospital. American Heart
Journal 2006; 152 (2); 379-385.
Feuerman J, Wang L, Barrett R, Balakrishnan S, Weikert MP, Koch DD. Intraocular Lens power
calculations in long eyes. Cataract Surgery: Maximizing Outcomes Through Research.
Non Peer-Reviewed
Balakrishnan, Sharmini and Pflugfelder, Stephen C. The Role of Bacteria in the Pathogenesis of
Blepharitis. Topics in Ocular Anti-Infectives 2014; 49.
PRESENTATION & POSTERS
Balakrishnan SA, Kavoussi SC, Ventura B, Wang L, Shirayama M, Weikert MP, Hamill MB,
Koch DD. Multifocal Intraocular Lens Exchange: A Case Series.
American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons – April, 2014
Balakrishnan SA, Blachley T, Weizer J, Lee P, Stein JD. A Longitudinal Analysis of 1,660
Recipients of Bilateral Laser Peripheral Iridotomies to Determine Subsequent Need for Cataract
Surgery and Additional Interventions for Glaucoma.
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology – May, 2013
Balakrishnan SA, Blachley T, Musch D, Woodward M. Demographics and Ocular
Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Screening for Refractive Surgery.
American Academy of Ophthalmology – November, 2013