INTRODUCTION: Phthiriasis palpebrarum is an ectoparasitosis in which Phthirus 
pubis infest the eyelashes. It is rare and it can easily be misdiagnosed as 
blepharitis. The purpose of this study is to describe seven cases of phthiriasis 
palpebrarum so as to discuss its mode of infestation, diagnosis and treatment.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a study of all cases of phthiriasis palpebrarum 
reported in our laboratory. For each patient, an ophthalmic examination and 
parasitological examination of the eyelashes were performed.
RESULTS: There were five men and two women. Their ages ranged from 4 to 50years 
with an average of 21.57years. There were four children and three adults. The 
main symptom was itching of the eyelids. Clinical signs included reddish-brown 
crusts at the base of the eyelashes in all the cases and visible lice and nits 
in three cases. Biomicroscopic examination showed lice and nits anchored to the 
eyelashes in three cases. In the other two cases, the initial diagnosis was felt 
to be blepharitis. In all cases, the diagnosis of phthiriasis palpebrarum was 
confirmed by parasitological examination of eyelashes, which revealed the 
presence of adult and nit forms of Phthirus pubis. The number of adult lice 
ranged from 1 to 30. In all cases, treatment was based on mechanical removal of 
both the lice and nits. Outcomes were favorable without recurrence.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, phthiriasis palpebrarum can be easily diagnosed by 
close examination of the eyelashes and eyelid margins at the slit lamp and can 
be managed mechanically. Parasitological examination of the eyelashes can 
confirm the diagnosis.