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.
29 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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What is the right age for Lasik eye surgery?
Age 21 is fine if refraction is stable for at least one year and all testing is normal. Someone who has lasik at 21 can enjoy 20+ years of glasses-free vision until reading glasses READ MORE
Age 21 is fine if refraction is stable for at least one year and all testing is normal. Someone who has lasik at 21 can enjoy 20+ years of glasses-free vision until reading glasses are needed about age 40-45.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
How often do I need to change my contact lenses?
It depends on the type and brand. Most commonly 2 weeks unless you sleep in them, then one week. I don't recommend sleeping in contacts since it increases risk of infection. You READ MORE
It depends on the type and brand. Most commonly 2 weeks unless you sleep in them, then one week. I don't recommend sleeping in contacts since it increases risk of infection. You should ask your eye doctor for specific wearing and care instructions for your brand of lenses.
What is a visual field test?
It is a simple automated test of peripheral vision. Like a hearing test we have all had in school, but for the eyes.
What are the treatment options for diabetic retinopathy?
Early diabetic retinopathy does not require treatment. Best treatment is prevention by controlling blood sugar. More advanced retinopathy may require laser or injection of medication. READ MORE
Early diabetic retinopathy does not require treatment. Best treatment is prevention by controlling blood sugar. More advanced retinopathy may require laser or injection of medication. Close monitoring with an ophthalmologist is key.
Is a mole removal inside the eyelid safe?
Safe if done by an oculoplastic surgeon. It should be completely excised and sent to a pathologist to examine. There could be a possibility it is a melanoma.
What does it mean to have bad vision at night?
You need a complete eye exam. Could be a cataract, which is treatable. Other possibility is a retinal problem that is important to diagnose early with testing.
Do blue light glasses really help?
They may help with computer related eye strain, but no research has been published.
What is the difference between cryotherapy and laser treatment for retinal tears?
Both treatments are almost always effective. Cryo (freezing) is used when the tear is too far peripheral to be treated fully by the laser, or if a fairly dense cataract is present READ MORE
Both treatments are almost always effective. Cryo (freezing) is used when the tear is too far peripheral to be treated fully by the laser, or if a fairly dense cataract is present blocking a clear view for laser treatment. Cryo is usually more uncomfortable during treatment, but it only lasts a few seconds. Most of the time laser treatment is painless.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
What can be the cause of my blurry vision?
You should definitely see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. There can be many causes of blurred vision in one eye that could worsen or become permanent without treatment. READ MORE
You should definitely see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. There can be many causes of blurred vision in one eye that could worsen or become permanent without treatment. You need a complete dilated eye exam to determine the cause of this problem and appropriate intervention.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Can I reduce the amount of eye floaters I have?
Make sure you have a good eye exam with a dilated pupil to make sure the floaters are not caused by a retinal tear or bleeding, which may require treatment to prevent future problems READ MORE
Make sure you have a good eye exam with a dilated pupil to make sure the floaters are not caused by a retinal tear or bleeding, which may require treatment to prevent future problems like retinal detachment. The most common cause of floaters is vitreous liquification caused by aging, resulting in a posterior vitreous detachment in almost everyone between ages 30-70. This is normal. The opacities in the vitreous will eventually move out of your field of vision and become less bothersome. If they do not, then in some cases either laser treatment or surgical vitrectomy can help. As long as the retina is healthy, it is best to wait 3-6 months for the floaters to diminish naturally before considering intervention. They will almost always improve without treatment. If you have not had cataract surgery yet, laser or vitrectomy for floaters may cause progression of cataract to the point where cataract surgery is required.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Do I have a scratch on my eye?
There are many reasons for blurred vision after a fall, some of which could lead to further vision loss. You should see an ophthalmologist for a complete dilated eye exam ASAP, READ MORE
There are many reasons for blurred vision after a fall, some of which could lead to further vision loss. You should see an ophthalmologist for a complete dilated eye exam ASAP, or go to a comprehensive hospital emergency room.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
What is this bump on my eyelid?
Yes, this should be checked by an ophthalmologist soon. It is likely a chalazion (stye), but diagnosis is only possible with an exam in the office.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
When can I have laser treatment?
As long as your prescription is stable and you have healthy eyes within range for laser vision correction, age 25 is a very appropriate time to have the procedure done.
Mark READ MORE
As long as your prescription is stable and you have healthy eyes within range for laser vision correction, age 25 is a very appropriate time to have the procedure done.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
How often do I need to clean my contact lenses?
Yes, daily removal and disinfection overnight are crucial to healthy contact lens use. Also, replace the lenses on schedule, usually every 2-4 weeks depending on the brand. Modern READ MORE
Yes, daily removal and disinfection overnight are crucial to healthy contact lens use. Also, replace the lenses on schedule, usually every 2-4 weeks depending on the brand. Modern contact lenses are designed to be discarded frequently to prevent build-up of deposits that cause allergy, blurred vision, and poor fit.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Is it possible to remove an eye freckle?
A small, round ,blue spot in the white of the eye is likely the entry point of a vein called the vortex vein into the eye. This of course cannot be removed. Other causes of bluish READ MORE
A small, round ,blue spot in the white of the eye is likely the entry point of a vein called the vortex vein into the eye. This of course cannot be removed. Other causes of bluish spots on the eye are thin areas of the sclera that allow the pigmented tissue called the uvea below to show through. This is more common in older patients or those with rheumatoid arthritis. Freckles or other areas of pigment in the conjunctiva contain melanin and usually appear brown with irregular margins. These can be removed if benign, but may recur. If suspicious for melanoma, they should be excised and biopsied with wide margins, similar to suspicious moles on the skin. The best bet is to see an ophthalmologist for an exam to determine the cause of the spot and discuss possible treatment.
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Mark F. Pyfer, MD, MS, FACS
Can medications help watery eyes?
Watery eyes could mean tearing, or just a wet appearance. Most people under 18 have excellent tear production and healthy lid margin oil glands, called Meibomian glands, that prevent READ MORE
Watery eyes could mean tearing, or just a wet appearance. Most people under 18 have excellent tear production and healthy lid margin oil glands, called Meibomian glands, that prevent tear evaporation. Babies especially have such a stable tear film that they usually blink much less often than adults. If she has tearing, mucus discharge, redness, blurred vision, itching, light sensitivity or pain along with "watery eyes" then this could indicate a medical problem. Best to have your daughter evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if any of these other symptoms occur.
Hope this helps you!
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
Hope this helps you!
Mark F. Pyfer, MD
What is enlarged optic nerve in children?
Could be a variation of normal or could be papilledema, which is a sign of increased intracranial pressure that needs urgent testing. I recommend seeing a pediatric MD ophthalmologist READ MORE
Could be a variation of normal or could be papilledema, which is a sign of increased intracranial pressure that needs urgent testing. I recommend seeing a pediatric MD ophthalmologist as soon as possible. He or she can arrange further testing if needed.
