EXPERT
Dr. Mark F. Pyfer, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Mark Pyfer is an ophthalmologist practicing in Jenkintown, PA. Dr. Pyfer specializes in eye and vision care. As an ophthalmologist, Dr. Pyfer can practice medicine as well as surgery. Opthalmologists can perform surgeries because they have their medical degrees along with at least eight years of additional training. Dr. Pyfer can diagnose and treat diseases, perform eye operations and prescribe eye glasses and contacts. Ophthalmologists can also specialize even further in a specific area of eye care.
30 years
Experience
Dr. Mark F. Pyfer, M.D.
- Jenkintown, PA
- Univ of Pa Sch of Med, Philadelphia Pa
- Accepting new patients
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Why do my eyes hurt after sleeping?
A common cause of eye pain in the morning is nocturnal exposure. If the eye opens partially during sleep it dries out. Try using thick gel based lubricating tears at bedtime. If READ MORE
A common cause of eye pain in the morning is nocturnal exposure. If the eye opens partially during sleep it dries out. Try using thick gel based lubricating tears at bedtime. If this does not help, you should see an ophthalmologist. Other causes could be recurrent erosions or blepharitis. Your doctor can detect these on exam.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
What eye drops can I use for watery eyes?
This sounds most like allergy. Try an OTC antihistamine drop like Zaditor (ketotifen) for a couple days. If it does not help, you should see an ophthalmologist.
Mark F. Pyfer, READ MORE
This sounds most like allergy. Try an OTC antihistamine drop like Zaditor (ketotifen) for a couple days. If it does not help, you should see an ophthalmologist.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Can adolescents develop cataracts?
Yes, a cataract can develop at any age from trauma, inflammation, infection, medications like steroids or chemotherapy, and hereditary diseases. Not just age-related changes. Best READ MORE
Yes, a cataract can develop at any age from trauma, inflammation, infection, medications like steroids or chemotherapy, and hereditary diseases. Not just age-related changes. Best to have an exam by an ophthalmologist.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Can you get rid of cataracts without surgery?
The short answer is no. However, there are options in cataract surgery, such as multifocal lens implants and laser-assisted surgery, that can result in better functional vision READ MORE
The short answer is no. However, there are options in cataract surgery, such as multifocal lens implants and laser-assisted surgery, that can result in better functional vision than standard lens implants without the need for glasses. So, make sure you see an ophthalmologist who specializes in cataract surgery and is experienced in these options you may elect at the time of your surgery. It is also important to know that a cataract only requires surgery when your vision is impaired enough that it interferes with your quality of life, or is below the legal limit for driving in your state if you have a license. Sometimes a change in glasses is sufficient to improve vision for a time until the cataract progresses. If you are not ready for surgery, you should still be monitored by your eye doctor at regular intervals, about 6-12 months, or sooner if any sudden change in vision occurs.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Does light sensitivity ever go away?
Some people are inherently more light sensitive due to low levels of melanin pigment in the back of the eye. If you have light skin and blue eyes you likely have less pigment behind READ MORE
Some people are inherently more light sensitive due to low levels of melanin pigment in the back of the eye. If you have light skin and blue eyes you likely have less pigment behind the retina as well. The extreme example of this is a person with albinism. They are usually very light sensitive. This condition is present for life.
Temporary causes of light sensitivity (photophobia) include ocular surface inflammation such as dry eye or conjunctivitis, or internal eye inflammation such as uveitis. These are treatable. If light sensitivity is causing you discomfort or concern, you should see an ophthalmologist.
Mark .F Pyfer, MD
Temporary causes of light sensitivity (photophobia) include ocular surface inflammation such as dry eye or conjunctivitis, or internal eye inflammation such as uveitis. These are treatable. If light sensitivity is causing you discomfort or concern, you should see an ophthalmologist.
Mark .F Pyfer, MD
Can stress cause light sensitivity?
Usually not. Excess light sensitivity or photophobia is commonly caused by inflammation, either inside the eye as in uveitis, or on the surface due to dry eye, allergy or infection. READ MORE
Usually not. Excess light sensitivity or photophobia is commonly caused by inflammation, either inside the eye as in uveitis, or on the surface due to dry eye, allergy or infection. If causing discomfort you should see an ophthalmologist.
Mark F Pyfer MD
Mark F Pyfer MD
Can eye vision ever improve naturally?
If you are referring to refractive error (nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatism) correctable with eyeglasses, this can change over time, sometimes resulting in visual improvement READ MORE
If you are referring to refractive error (nearsighted, farsighted or astigmatism) correctable with eyeglasses, this can change over time, sometimes resulting in visual improvement with decreased need for glasses as we age. Most conditions that affect vision will worsen over time (cataracts, macular degeneration) and often require treatment. It is best to see an ophthalmologist to address your particular condition.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
What causes pressure in your eyes?
This is most commonly a sinus infection, or referred pain from a headache or cervical spine issue like arthritis. Less common cause could include inflammation in the eyes such READ MORE
This is most commonly a sinus infection, or referred pain from a headache or cervical spine issue like arthritis. Less common cause could include inflammation in the eyes such as uveitis. Glaucoma caused by elevated pressure in the eyes does not usually cause pain, unless it is acute. From your description it sounds as if your pressure sensation is mild and chronic in nature. You should have a complete eye exam by an MD, and also consult your primary care doctor regarding possible sinus issues or other non-ophthalmic cause for headache and facial pain.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Should you take off work with conjunctivitis?
If you have contact with people at risk for infection, such as patients or children, then yes. The contagious period is about 5 days for adenoviral conjunctivitis, the most common READ MORE
If you have contact with people at risk for infection, such as patients or children, then yes. The contagious period is about 5 days for adenoviral conjunctivitis, the most common cause. Antibiotics do not currently work for this. If you can avoid contact with other people, similar to when you have a cold, then it is ok to work. Best to check with your employer to verify their policy on this. And see an eye doctor to be sure of the diagnosis and get treatment if available.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
How can I hydrate my eyes?
This is a common problem with multiple treatments, including OTC artificial tears, prescription eye drops like Restasis and Xiidra, punctal plugs, and more. There are multiple READ MORE
This is a common problem with multiple treatments, including OTC artificial tears, prescription eye drops like Restasis and Xiidra, punctal plugs, and more. There are multiple possible causes for dry eye as well, each with its own treatment regimen. Diagnostic testing can be done in the office. Without treatment, dry eye can cause permanent damage to the cornea, and
puts you at greater risk of infection. It is best to see an ophthalmologist for evaluation and treatment soon.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
puts you at greater risk of infection. It is best to see an ophthalmologist for evaluation and treatment soon.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
What could be the cause of my focusing problems?
This is most likely correctable with glasses, perhaps myopia or astigmatism. You need a full eye exam with an ophthalmologist or experienced optometrist soon.
Mark F. Pyfer, READ MORE
This is most likely correctable with glasses, perhaps myopia or astigmatism. You need a full eye exam with an ophthalmologist or experienced optometrist soon.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Will I need glasses after Lasik?
It depends on the target refraction. If you are set to full distance correction in both eyes, then you will most likely need reading glasses within a few years. One way to delay READ MORE
It depends on the target refraction. If you are set to full distance correction in both eyes, then you will most likely need reading glasses within a few years. One way to delay the need for reading glasses is to leave one eye slightly myopic (near-sighted). You should discuss this with your LASIK surgeon before treatment.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
How many days rest is required after Lasik surgery?
You really only need to rest for the evening after the procedure. Next day can resume normal activities as long as you protect your eyes from water, dirt and physical contact from READ MORE
You really only need to rest for the evening after the procedure. Next day can resume normal activities as long as you protect your eyes from water, dirt and physical contact from a finger or object (sports, etc.).
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
How can I improve my astigmatism naturally?
Astigmatism results from the cornea (front clear curved surface of the eye) being oblong or elliptical instead of round. The only permanent solution is laser vision correction READ MORE
Astigmatism results from the cornea (front clear curved surface of the eye) being oblong or elliptical instead of round. The only permanent solution is laser vision correction surgery, but glasses or contact lenses can give you clearer vision temporarily. Eye rubbing can make astigmatism worse. A condition called keratoconus may cause progressive high astigmatism. This can now be treated non-surgically at an early stage with a procedure called cross-linking. See an ophthalmologist for an exam and a picture of the corneal curvature called topography.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Will eye floaters go away on their own?
Floaters are normal as we age. But you are young for floaters, it could indicate a retinal tear that can lead to retinal detachment. See an ophthalmologist asap. If retina is fine READ MORE
Floaters are normal as we age. But you are young for floaters, it could indicate a retinal tear that can lead to retinal detachment. See an ophthalmologist asap. If retina is fine then floaters usually become less bothersome over time, but do not go away. A surgical procedure called vitrectomy is the only way to remove floaters, but is rarely necessary.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
What are the treatment options for myopia?
It depends on how myopic you are and if your cornea is normal. The main options other than glasses or contact lenses are refractive surgeries: LASIK, PRK, or phakic intraocular READ MORE
It depends on how myopic you are and if your cornea is normal. The main options other than glasses or contact lenses are refractive surgeries: LASIK, PRK, or phakic intraocular lens implant (ICL). There is a lot of information about these options online. You should consult an ophthalmologist who is experienced with these procedures for testing in order to determine what is best for your personal condition.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
How do you stop having watery eyes?
Tearing from the eyes can have multiple causes, including blocked tear drainage ducts, allergies, even dry eyes. It is best to see an ophthalmologist to determine the cause and READ MORE
Tearing from the eyes can have multiple causes, including blocked tear drainage ducts, allergies, even dry eyes. It is best to see an ophthalmologist to determine the cause and recommend treatment.
Is seeing flashes bad?
It could be a retinal problem or a migraine aura, 2 of the most common causes at your age. Other causes are rare but important to rule out. You should see an ophthalmologist for READ MORE
It could be a retinal problem or a migraine aura, 2 of the most common causes at your age. Other causes are rare but important to rule out. You should see an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam soon.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
How long does cataract surgery last?
Cataract surgery is permanent. Cataracts, once removed completely, do not grow back. The implant replacement lasts a lifetime without wearing out.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Should I wear sunglasses after Lasik eye surgery?
Your surgeon should give you detailed instructions for care after LASIK surgery as I do. In general, eye protection for the first few weeks is important. This includes sunglasses READ MORE
Your surgeon should give you detailed instructions for care after LASIK surgery as I do. In general, eye protection for the first few weeks is important. This includes sunglasses outdoors or safety glasses for any activity where something could hit you in the eye (such as a tree branch while biking or hiking). Also, goggles or eye shields while sleeping for the first week.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
