February 9, 2022
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Ludwig M. Heindl, M.D., Ph.D., M.Sc
Curriculum Vitae
Department of Ophthalmology
University of Cologne
Kerperner Str. 62
50937 Cologne, GERMANY
Tel. (+49)-221-478 4300
Fax. (+49)-221-478 5094
Email: ludwig.heindl@uk-koeln.de
Scientific career
1998-2006 Study of Medicine at the Universities of Erlangen-Nuremberg/Germany and Vienna/Austria, Medical Licensure
2006 Doctorate degree (Dr. med.), (magna cum laude) at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
2006-2010 Residency, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
2006-2010 Training in Ophthalmic Pathology, Prof. Dr. G.O.H. Naumann, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
2011 Specialist Certification in Ophthalmology
2011- Consultant in General Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Oncology and Ophthalmic Pathology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne
2012 Habilitation and Venia Legendi at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne
2013- Head of Ophthalmic Oncology, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Service, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne
2015- Principal Investigator of Project 4 “Tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and its inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy in conjunctival melanomas” in the DFG Research Unit FOR 2240 “Angiogenesis, Lymphangiogenesis and Cellular Immunity in Inflammatory Diseases of the Eye” at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne
2016- University Professor (W2) for Ophthalmic Oncology, University of Cologne
2016- Member of the Executive Board, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Cologne-Bonn
2018- Principal Investigator of Project P4 “The role of midkine in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and metastasis of ocular malignant melanoma” in the DFG Research Unit FOR 2240 “Angiogenesis, Lymphangiogenesis and Cellular Immunity in Inflammatory Diseases of the Eye” at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne
2020 Master of Science (M.Sc.) “with distinction” at Paracelsus Medical Private University Salzburg, Austria
2021 Doctorate degree (Dr. phil./Ph.D.) “with distinction” at Paracelsus Medical Private University Salzburg, Austria
Prizes and honors
2007 Junior Award – European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ESOPRS)
2008 Best Paper Award – American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
2010 Senator-Hermann-Wacker-Award – German Ophthalmological Society (DOG)
2011 Best Young Investigator Award – European Ophthalmic Oncology Group (OOG)
2011 Editor’s Choice Award – American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
2012 Novartis Travel Fellowship – International Society for Eye Research (ISER)
2012 Ludwig von Sallmann Clinician-Scientist Award – Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
2014 and 2017 Best Reviewer Award – Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde
2017 Leonhard Klein Award – German Ophthalmological Society (DOG)
2017 Erwin Niehaus Prize for Ophthalmology (Erwin Niehaus Foundation)
2021 Leonhard Klein Award – German Ophthalmological Society (DOG)
2022 Honorary Professor (Prof. h. c.), Zhejiang University, School of Medicine in Hangzhou, China
Selected publications
Matthaei M, Sandhaeger H, Hermel M, Adler W, Jun AS, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Changing Indications in Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Systematic Review of 34 Years of Global Reporting. Transplantation. 2017 Jun;101(6):1387-1399.
Grajewski RS, Barahmand Pour N, Burian K, Caramoy A, Kirchhof B, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Analysis of the impact of allergy and atopy on new onset of uveitis. Acta Ophthalmol. 2017 May;95(3):e236-e241.
Bosch JJ, Heindl LM. [Novel Adjuvant Therapy for Ocular Melanoma]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2017 May;234(5):670-673.
Cursiefen C, Bock F, Clahsen T, Regenfuss B, Reis A, Steven P, Heindl LM, Bosch JJ, Hos D, Eming S, Grajewski R, Heiligenhaus A, Fauser S, Austin J, Langmann T. [New Therapeutic Approaches in Inflammatory Diseases of the Eye – Targeting Lymphangiogenesis and Cellular Immunity: Research Unit FOR 2240 Presents Itself]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2017 May;234(5):679-685.
Schaub F, Enders P, Bachmann BO, Heindl LM, Cursiefen C. Effect of corneal collagen crosslinking on subsequent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in keratoconus. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2017 Apr;255(4):811-816.
Heindl LM, Koch KR, Hermann MM, Merkelbach-Bruse S, Schultheis AM, Wagener S, Büttner R, Mauch C, Schuler-Thurner B, Schuler G, Cursiefen C. Block Excision of Iridociliary Tumors Enables Molecular Profiling and Immune Vaccination. Ophthalmology. 2017 Feb;124(2):268-270.
Grajewski RS, Heindl LM. Macular thickening of uveitic eyes in the absence of macular oedema and epiretinal membranes. Acta Ophthalmol. 2017 Feb;95(1):e77-e78.
Hoerster R, Schlaak M, Koch KR, Ortmann M, Mauch C, Heindl LM. [Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid. An often unrecognized tumor entity : Clinical aspects and treatment strategies]. Ophthalmologe. 2017 Feb;114(2):134-139.
Grajewski RS, Heindl LM. [Masquerades and Trojans: When tumors disguise as uveitis]. Ophthalmologe. 2016 Dec;113(12):1091.
Van Setten GB, Trost A, Schrödl F, Kaser-Eichberger A, Bogner B, van Setten M, Heindl LM, Grabner G, Reitsamer HA. Immunohistochemical Detection of CTGF in the Human Eye. Curr Eye Res. 2016 Dec;41(12):1571-1579.
Schaub F, Adler W, Koenig MC, Enders P, Grajewski RS, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Impact of allergy and atopy on the risk of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2016 Dec;254(12):2417-2423.
Schaub F, Simons HG, Enders P, Bachmann BO, Roters S, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. [Corneal donation: Dilemma between growing demand and declining donor rate]. Ophthalmologe. 2016 Dec;113(12):1058-1065.
Bucher F, Fricke J, Neugebauer A, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Ophthalmological manifestations of Parry-Romberg syndrome. Surv Ophthalmol. 2016 Nov – Dec;61(6):693-701.
Grajewski RS, Boelke AC, Adler W, Meyer S, Caramoy A, Kirchhof B, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM<. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings of the macula in 500 consecutive patients with uveitis. Eye (Lond). 2016 Nov;30(11):1415-1423.
Schaub F, Enders P, Zachewicz J, Heindl LM, Stanzel TP, Cursiefen C, Bachmann BO. Impact of Donor Age on Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Outcome: Evaluation of Donors Aged 17-55 Years. Am J Ophthalmol. 2016 Oct;170:119-127.
Boppudi S, Bögershausen N, Hove HB, Percin EF, Aslan D, Dvorsky R, Kayhan G, Li Y, Cursiefen C, Tantcheva-Poor I, Toft PB, Bartsch O, Lissewski C, Wieland I, Jakubiczka S, Wollnik B, Ahmadian MR, Heindl LM, Zenker M. Specific mosaic KRAS mutations affecting codon 146 cause oculoectodermal syndrome and encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis. Clin Genet. 2016 Oct;90(4):334-42.
Schlereth SL, Kremers S, Schrödl F, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Characterization of Antigen-Presenting Macrophages and Dendritic Cells in the Healthy Human Sclera. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016 Sep 1;57(11):4878-4885.
Avgitidou G, Koch KR, Fries JW, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. [Pediatric conjunctival tumor with cilia]. Ophthalmologe. 2016 Sep;113(9):783-5.
Schaub F, Enders P, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Split-cornea transplantation – a microbiologically safe approach? Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2016 Jul;254(7):1441-2.
Grajewski RS, Koch KR, Koch HR, Ciotu IM, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Cataract in pseudohypoparathyroidism. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2016 Jul;42(7):1094-6.
Koch KR, Heindl LM. Axenfeld Loop vs Extrasclerally Extending Ciliary Body Tumor-Reply. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016 Jul 1;134(7):846.
Khatib R, Göbel H, Kurschat C, Röcken C, Cursiefen C, Steven P, Heindl LM. [Refractory pseudofollicular conjunctivitis]. Ophthalmologe. 2016 Jul;113(7):612-4.
Hos D, Bucher F, Regenfuss B, Dreisow ML, Bock F, Heindl LM, Eming SA, Cursiefen C. IL-10 Indirectly Regulates Corneal Lymphangiogenesis and Resolution of Inflammation via Macrophages. Am J Pathol. 2016 Jan;186(1):159-71.
Refaian N, Schlereth SL, Koch KR, Notara M, Hos D, Mescher M, Iden S, Bosch JJ, Jager MJ, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Comparing the Hem- and Lymphangiogenic Profile of Conjunctival and Uveal Melanoma Cell Lines. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015;56(9):5691-7.
Koch KR, Refaian N, Hos D, Schlereth SL, Bosch JJ, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Autocrine impact of VEGF-A on uveal melanoma cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014 ;55:2697-2704.
Hos D, Koch KR, Bucher F, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Serum eyedrops antagonize the anti(lymph)angiogenic effects of bevacizumab in vitro and in vivo. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2013 ;54:6133-6142.
Heindl LM, Hofmann-Rummelt C, Adler W, Bosch JJ, Holbach LM, Naumann GO, Kruse FE, Cursiefen C. Prognostic significance of tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis in malignant melanomas of the conjunctiva. Ophthalmology 2011 ;118:2351-2360.
Heindl LM, Hofmann TN, Adler W, Knorr HL, Holbach LM, Naumann GO, Kruse FE, Cursiefen C. Intraocular tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis: a novel prognostic factor for ciliary body melanomas with extraocular extension? Ophthalmology 2010 ;117:334-342.
Heindl LM, Hofmann-Rummelt C, Adler W, Holbach LM, Naumann GO, Kruse FE, Cursiefen C. Tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis in the development of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma. Ophthalmology 2010 ;117:649-658.
Rokohl AC, Koch KR, Trester M, Trester W, Pine KR, Heindl LM. Concerns of anophthalmic patients wearing cryolite glass prosthetic eyes. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2018; 34: 369-374.
Matthaei M, Elsner E, Caramoy A, Adler W, Siebelmann S, Schaub F, Skevas C, Liakopoulos S, Bachmann B, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and macular drusen: evidence for coincidence? Eye 2018; 32: 840-841.
Enders P, Schaub F, Adler W, Hermann MM, Dietlein TS, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Bruch’s membrane opening-based optical coherence tomography of the optic nerve head: a useful diagnostic tool to detect glaucoma in macrodiscs. Eye 2018; 32: 314-323.
Glossmann JP, Skoetz N, Starbatty B, Bischoff M, Leyvraz S, Westekemper H; AG SOP; Unter-AG Konjunktivales Melanom, Heindl LM. Conjunctival melanoma: standard operating procedures in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care [in German]. Ophthalmologe 2018; 115: 489-498
Rokohl AC, Koch KR, Adler W, Trester M, Trester W, Pine NS, Pine KR, Heindl LM. Concerns of anophthalmic patients – a comparison between cryolite glass and polymethyl methacrylate prosthetic eye wearers. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 256: 1203-1208.
Schaub F, Adler W, Enders P, Koenig MC, Koch KR, Cursiefen C, Kirchhof B, Heindl LM. Preexisting epiretinal membrane is associated with pseudophakic cystoid macular edema. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 256: 909-917.
Heindl LM, Adler W, El-Malahi O, Schaub F, Hermann MM, Dietlein TS, Cursiefen C, Enders P. The optimal diameter for circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurement by SD-OCT in glaucoma. J Glaucoma 2018; 27: 1086-1093.
Gietzelt C, Lemke J, Schaub F, Hermann MM, Dietlein TS, Cursiefen C, Enders P, Heindl LM. Structural reversal of disc cupping after trabeculectomy alters Bruch membrane opening-based parameters to assess neuroretinal rim. Am J Ophthalmol 2018; 194: 143-152.
Hoerster R, Cursiefen C, Streichert T, Heindl LM. Impact of systemic inhibition on ocular levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018; 256: 2487-2488.
Mor JM, Matthaei M, Schrumpf H, Koch KR, Bölke E, Heindl LM. Transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: an audit of 104 patients. Eur J Med Res 2018; 23: 58.
Enders P, Adler W, Kiessling D, Weber V, Schaub F, Hermann MM, Dietlein T, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Evaluation of two-dimensional Bruch’s membrane opening minimum rim area for glaucoma diagnostics in a large patient cohort. Acta Ophthalmol 2019; 97: 60-67.
Grajewski RS, Boelke AC, Adler W, Pape A, Schroedl F, Hueber A, Albus C, Vitinius F, Heindl LM. Perceived stress levels in adult patients with uveitis. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10: 916.
Guo Y, Koch KR, Heindl LM. Transcaruncular laser-assisted StopLoss Lester Jones tube surgery for lacrimal canalicular obstructions. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257: 1569-1570.
Guo Y, Rokohl AC, Schaub F, Hou X, Liu J, Ruan Y, Jia R, Koch KR, Heindl LM. Reliability of periocular anthropometry using three-dimensional digital stereophotogrammetry. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257: 2517-2531.
Heindl LM, Augustin AJ, Messmer EM. ADenoVirus initiative study in epidemiology (ADVISE) – results of a multicenter epidemiology study in Germany. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257: 249-251.
Kiessling D, Christ H, Gietzelt C, Schaub F, Dietlein TS, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM(*), Enders P(*). Impact of ab-interno trabeculectomy on Bruch’s membrane opening-based morphometry of the optic nerve head for glaucoma progression analysis. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257: 339-347.
Loeser J, Schwemmer J, Gostian AO, Gostian M, Bachmann B, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Postoperative pain following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK): a prospective study. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257: 2203-2211.
Matthaei M, Leitl C, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Correlation of extracellular matrix-related gene expression with objective Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy severity. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 47: 671-673.
Rokohl AC, Adler W, Koch KR, Mor JM, Jia R, Trester M, Pine NS, Pine KR, Heindl LM. Cryolite glass prosthetic eyes – the response of the anophthalmic socket. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257: 2015- 2023.
Rokohl AC, Trester M, Pine KR, Heindl LM. Risk of breakage of cryolite glass prosthetic eyes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257: 437-438.
Schlereth SL, Karlstetter M, Hos D, Matthaei M, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Detection of pro- and antiangiogenic factors in the human sclera. Curr Eye Res 2019; 44: 172-184.
Siggel R, Christofi E, Giasoumi F, Adler W, Siebelmann S, Bachmann B, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Changes in corneal biomechanical properties after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Cornea 2019; 38: 964-969.
Enders P, Longo V, Adler W, Horstmann J, Schaub F, Dietlein T, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Analysis of peripapillary vessel density and Bruch’s membrane opening-based neuroretinal rim parameters in glaucoma using OCT and OCT-angiography. Eye (Lond) 2020; 34: 1086-1093.
Guo Y, Hou X, Rokohl AC, Jia R, Heindl LM. Reliability of periocular anthropometry: a comparison of direct, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional techniques. Dermatol Surg 2020; 46: e23-e31.
Guo Y, Rokohl AC, Kroth K, Li S, Lin M, Jia R, Heindl LM. Endoscopy-guided diode laser-assisted transcaruncular StopLoss Jones tube implantation for canalicular obstructions in primary surgery. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 258: 2809-2817.
Guo Y, Schaub F, Mor JM, Jia R, Koch KR, Heindl LM. A simple standardized three-dimensional anthropometry for the periocular region in a European population. Plast Reconstr Surg 2020; 145: 514e-523e.
Luers JC, Rokohl AC, Loreck N, Wawer Matos PA, Augustin M, Dewald F, Klein F, Lehmann C, Heindl LM. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71: 2262-2264.
Rokohl AC, Loreck N, Wawer Matos PA, Zwingelberg S, Augustin M, Dewald F, Grajewski RS, Klein F, Lehmann C, Heindl LM. More than loss of taste and smell: burning watering eyes in coronavirus disease 2019. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 26: 1560.
Rokohl AC, Trester M, Guo Y, Adler W, Jaeger VK, Loreck N, Mor JM, Pine KR,Heindl LM. Dry anophthalmic socket syndrome – standardized clinical evaluation of symptoms and signs. Ocul Surf 2020; 18: 453-459.
Siggel R, Schroedl F, Dietlein T, Koch KR, Platzl C, Kaser-Eichberger A, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. Absence of lymphatic vessels in non-functioning bleb capsules of glaucoma drainage devices. Histol Histopathol 2020; 35: 1521-1531.
Chichan H, Maus M, Heindl LM. Subthreshold nanosecond laser, from trials to real-life clinical practice: a cohort study. Clin Ophthalmol 2021; 15: 1887- 1895.
Grajewski RS, Rokohl AC, Becker M, Dewald F, Lehmann C, Fätkenheuer G, Cursiefen C, Klein F, Heindl LM. A missing link between SARS-CoV-2 and the eye? ACE2 expression on the ocular surface. J Med Virol 2021; 93: 78-79.
Grajewski RS, Rokohl AC, Becker M, Paulsen F, Heindl LM. Malignancy going viral: ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in conjunctival neoplastic diseases. Ann Anat 2021; 234: 151661.
Guo Y, Liu J, Ruan Y, Rokohl AC, Hou X, Li S, Jia R, Koch KR, Heindl LM. A novel approach quantifying the periorbital morphology: A comparison of direct, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional technologies. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2021; 74: 1888-1899.
Heindl LM, Platzl C, Wolfmeier H, Herwig-Carl MC, Kaser-Eichberger A, Strohmaier C, Schroedl F. Choroidal melanocytes: subpopulations of different origin? Ann Anat 2021; 238: 151775.
Heindl LM, Trester M, Guo Y, Zwiener F, Sadat N, Pine NS, Pine KR, Traweger A, Rokohl AC. Anxiety and depression in patients wearing prosthetic eyes. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259: 495-503.
Hou X, Rokohl AC, Meinke MM, Li S, Liu J, Fan W, Lin M, Jia R, Guo Y, Heindl LM. A novel standardized distraction test to evaluate lower eyelid tension using three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11: 3735-3748.
Hou X, Rokohl AC, Meinke MM, Liu J, Li S, Fan W, Lin M, Jia R, Guo Y, Heindl LM. Standardized three-dimensional lateral distraction test: its reliability to assess medial canthal tendon laxity. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2021; 45 (6):2798-2807.
Kopecký A, Rokohl AC, Wawer Matos PA, Němčanský J, Heindl LM. Cheek- midface lifting with lateral canthoplasy for the repair of complex iatrogenic lower eyelid ectropion. Eur J Ophthalmol 2021: 11206721211039334.
Li S, Guo Y, Hou X, Liu J, Fan W, Ju S, Matos PAW, Rokohl AC, Heindl LM. Mapping research trends of uveal melanoma: a bibliometric analysis. Int Ophthalmol 2021.
Li S, Siggel R, Guo Y, Loreck N, Rokohl AC, Kurschat C, Heindl LM. Corneal densitometry: a potential indicator for early diagnosis of Fabry disease. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259: 941-948.
Liu J, Guo Y, Arakelyan M, Rokohl AC, Heindl LM. Accuracy of areal measurement in the periocular region using stereophotogrammetry. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2021; 79: 1106.
Liu J, Rokohl AC, Guo Y, Li S, Hou X, Fan W, Formuzal M, Lin M, Heindl LM. Reliability of stereophotogrammetry for area measurement in the periocular region. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2021; 45: 1601-1610.
Mor JM, Rokohl AC, Dahm S, Kraywinkel K, Heindl LM. Epidemiology of uveal melanomas in Germany. Acta Ophthalmol 2021.
Mor JM, Rokohl AC, Mauch C, Heindl LM. Interdisciplinary surveillance of ocular melanomas: experiences in a German tertiary centre. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2021; 238: 85-91.
Rokohl AC, Grajewski RS, Wawer Matos PA, Koch HL, Dewald F, Klein F, Fätkenheuer G, Lehmann C, Cursiefen C, Heindl LM. No secret hiding place? Absence of SARS-CoV-2 on the ocular surface of 1145 hospitalized patients in a pandemic area. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 259: 1605-1608.
Rokohl AC, Trester M, Naderi P, Loreck N, Zwingelberg S, Bucher F, Pine KR, Heindl LM. Dry anophthalmic socket syndrome – morphological alterations in meibomian glands. Eye (Lond) 2021; 35: 3358-3366.
Hou X, Rokohl AC, Meinke MM, Zhang M, Guo Y, Heindl LM. Digital photogrammetry for assessing medial canthal tendon laxity: novel standardized three-dimensional versus traditional two-dimensional lateral distraction test. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2022.
Karg MM, John L, Refaian N, Buettner C, Rottmar T, Sommer J, Bock B, Resheq YJ, Ksander BR, Heindl LM, Mackensen A, Bosch JJ. Midkine promotes metastasis and therapeutic resistance via mTOR/RPS6 in uveal melanoma. Mol Cancer Res. 2022;20:1320-1336