Dr. Mark F. Pyfer M.D.
Ophthalmologist
840 Walnut St 1240 Philadelphia PA, 19107Rating
5/5
About
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.
Education and Training
Univ of Pa Sch of Med, Philadelphia Pa 1995
Board Certification
OphthalmologyAmerican Board of OphthalmologyABO
Provider Details
Dr. Mark F. Pyfer M.D.'s Expert Contributions
I had a scratch type eye injury?
You need to see an ophthalmologist in the office within 24 hours. This is most likely a corneal abrasion. There could be a secondary infection that can cause permanent vision impairment. You will need medication to help the abrasion heal and reduce pain and inflammation, even if there is no infection. READ MORE
Right swollen eyelid?
This is almost definitely a chalazion, or stye. It is an infected oil gland. READ MORE
I'm smelling smoke constantly?
I recommend consulting an ENT physician about the smoke smell. Regarding intermittent mildly blurry vision in one eye, this may be dry eye, so I recommend trying artificial tear lubricating eye drops 3-4x per day. You should see an ophthalmologist or optometrist if the blurring persists. Hope this helps. READ MORE
Can you get an infection from wearing contacts?
Yes, absolutely. Contact lens wear increases the risk of eye infections significantly. With proper lens hygiene though, you should be safe. Replace lenses as recommended, usually weekly or biweekly. Disinfect nightly and do not sleep in the lenses. Any pain or redness, remove lenses immediately and see your eye doctor. I hope this helps you. Sincerely, Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Swollen eyelid?
That is in the area of the tear gland called the lacrimal gland, beneath the outer portion of the upper eyelid. You should see an ophthalmologist within a week for an examination. There are many causes ranging from a common blocked eyelid gland called a chalazion, to an abnormality of the lacrimal gland itself or adjacent structures. An exam is necessary as a first step. I hope this helps. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Can you read and watch TV after cataract surgery?
Yes, there are no visual restrictions during the healing period after cataract surgery. Your vision may be a bit blurred in that eye for a few days after surgery, and you may need new glasses for your clearest vision. Using eye drops is usually necessary for a few weeks after surgery to promote good healing, and it is best not to rub the eye or get water into it for the first week or two. As always, follow your individual surgeon’s instructions carefully, since not all cases are the same. I hope this helps. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Signs of bulging eyes?
No, your eye photos look normal. I am reasonably sure your question is motivated by advertising for Tepezza, a newly approved IV therapy for Graves Disease, which causes swelling behind the eyes in some patients. If you have any reason to be concerned about the appearance or comfort of your eyes, or are having vision problems, please consult an ophthalmologist for an in-person visit. Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS READ MORE
How do you treat eye discharge in babies?
This should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. It could be an infection or congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. For infection antibiotics are prescribed, and for NLD obstruction, often warm compresses and massage along the lower lid adjacent to the nose in a downward direction can help to improve drainage. If this does not help, a short probing procedure is often necessary to clear the obstruction. Hope this helps, Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Lenses or glasses?
As long as the contact lenses are fit by a qualified eye doctor and you follow the care directions carefully, then this should be a good option for you. If you do not like the hassle of contact lens wear, but still want to see without glasses, laser vision correction is also a good option with proper testing to make sure you are a good candidate. I hope this helps you. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Eye color?
No, the mild heat applied to the lids is not enough to cause any changes inside the eye. If it was too hot the eyelid skin would burn before anything happened inside the eye. Hope this helps, Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS READ MORE
Sore on my face?
It looks like an infection or inflammation of the skin in the corner of the eyelid, called angular blepharitis. Usually treated with an antibiotic-steroid combo ointment. However, it is hard to tell from a picture, especially since your eye is closed. Please see an ophthalmologist at your earliest convenience. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Swelling on eyelids?
This is a chalazion, often referred to as a stye. Try using warm compresses and gentle massage 3-4x/day. It should resolve without treatment. If it does not go away in 2-3 weeks, or if you have pain, redness, or change in vision, then see an ophthalmologist. Hope this helps you. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Retinal detachment and flying?
If you truly have a retinal detachment, this is an urgent condition that could get worse while you are traveling and lead to permanent vision loss. I advise you to see a retinal surgeon right away for another opinion. Most times surgery is required and would necessitate postponing your trip, even if your vision is not affected currently. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
How long do I have to wear sunglasses after Lasik?
Sunglasses after eye surgery like lasik are for protection and comfort outdoors. We recommend them for at least the first week after surgery. In fact, sunglasses in bright sunlight, especially on the beach, water or snow are always recommended to protect your eyes against UV radiation. It is always best to ask your lasik surgeon for their specific recommendations for you after surgery. Sincerely, Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Sty?
A stye is a plugged oil gland on the eyelid, called a Meibomian gland. They can become infected, and if so, require antibiotic eye drops or pills or both to resolve. Most non-infected styes respond to conservative treatment with warm compresses and gentle massage 3-4x/day for a week or so. If any increase in swelling, pain, or redness, this indicates infection and you should be seen by an ophthalmologist within 24 hours. The lubricating ointment sold over the counter called Stye ointment is usually not helpful. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Do you need surgery for a gray haze in your eye?
Gray haze in vision or on the surface of the eye is not normal at your age. You should have a full eye exam preferably with an ophthalmologist to determine the cause. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Can I get Lasik if I have astigmatism?
Yes, almost always if the astigmatism is not too high. But it is important to have careful measurements of your corneal shape and a full eye exam to make sure you are a good candidate. And your prescription should be stable for the past year at least. Hope this helps! Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
What helps morning dry eyes?
It is unusual to have dry eyes at your age unless you have a medical condition like Sjogrens disease or graft vs. host disease (GVHD) after chemotherapy. You could also have exposure at night if your eyelids open partly while you are sleeping. It could also be allergy or blepharitis. The best solution for you is to see an ophthalmologist soon, since treatment will be targeted to your specific issue. Hope this helps! Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Can a bacterial eye infection go away on its own?
Yes, mild bacterial conjunctivitis can be cleared by the immune system without the use of antibiotics. However, there are potential complications of bacterial eye infections such as scarring of the cornea or penetration of bacteria inside the eye which could result in vision loss or be more difficult to treat at an advanced stage. It makes sense to treat with an antibiotic eye drop unless there are other factors such as pregnancy where you may want to avoid exposure to most drugs if possible. In that case, even over-the-counter lubricating eye drops contain a preservative called benzalkonium chloride (BAK) that can work like a disinfectant, but is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Also, specially formulated iodine (povidone iodine 5%) can be used as a disinfecting eye drop. It is best to consult your eye doctor to address your particular situation. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Does vision therapy work for a lazy eye?
No. Amblyopia is the medical term for lazy eye, and it can only be effectively treated prior to age 10 or so, by partially occluding or blurring the vision in the good eye to restore neural connections to the “lazy” eye. Eyeglasses may also be needed at the same time. After age 10, there is limited plasticity remaining in the visual cortex. Mark F. Pyfer, MD READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Memberships
- American Medical Association
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
Dr. Mark F. Pyfer M.D.'s Practice location
Northern Ophthalmic Associates
500 York Rd Suite 102 -Jenkintown, PA 19046Get Direction
Wills Eye Hospital
840 Walnut St 1240 -Philadelphia, PA 19107Get Direction
Northern Ophthalmic Associates
1330 Powell St 503 -Norristown, PA 19401Get Direction
Dr. Mark F. Pyfer M.D.'s reviews
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