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External Disease·Irvine, Orange County

Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice) Treatment in Irvine, California

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, O.D. · Updated February 2026

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is an infestation of the eyelashes by pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) or less commonly head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). This condition is considered a sexually transmitted infestation in adults and may indicate abuse in children. The lice attach to eyelash follicles and lay nits (eggs) at the base of lashes, causing intense itching, irritation, and blepharitis.

Irvine's screen-intensive work culture can influence how phthiriasis palpebrarum (eyelash lice) symptoms are experienced throughout the day. We factor your digital lifestyle into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Dr. Bonakdar on Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice)

Direct Answers from Dr. Bonakdar

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar at EyeCare Center of Orange County provides expert phthiriasis palpebrarum (eyelash lice) diagnosis and treatment for patients in Irvine and throughout Orange County. With over 35 years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic technology, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific condition severity and lifestyle needs.

What is Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice)?

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is an infestation of the eyelashes by pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) or less commonly head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). This condition is considered a sexually transmitted infestation in adults and may indicate abuse in children. The lice attach to eyelash follicles and lay nits (eggs) at the base of lashes, causing intense itching, irritation, and blepharitis.

How is Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice) treated?

Treatment options include Manual removal of lice and nits with fine forceps, Petroleum jelly or bland ointment to smother organisms, Yellow mercuric oxide ointment (where available), Permethrin or other pediculicides (used carefully near eyes). The best approach depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, and lifestyle needs.

What are the symptoms of Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice)?

Common symptoms include Intense eyelid itching (pruritus), Visible lice or nits on eyelashes, Red, irritated eyelid margins, Blepharitis symptoms, Crusting at base of lashes. If you experience any of these, a comprehensive eye examination can determine the cause.

What are the symptoms of Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice)?

Irvine professionals working at screens may first notice symptoms during extended computer use or at the end of a long workday:

  • Intense eyelid itching (pruritus)
  • Visible lice or nits on eyelashes
  • Red, irritated eyelid margins
  • Blepharitis symptoms
  • Crusting at base of lashes
  • Secondary bacterial infection possible
  • May have lice in other body hair

How is Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice) treated?

For Irvine's digital professionals, we prioritize treatments compatible with extended screen use and offer strategies to optimize visual comfort during work hours:

Manual removal of lice and nits with fine forceps
Petroleum jelly or bland ointment to smother organisms
Yellow mercuric oxide ointment (where available)
Permethrin or other pediculicides (used carefully near eyes)
Fluorescein drops (toxic to lice)
Treatment of all body lice simultaneously
Treatment of close contacts and sexual partners

Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice) FAQs for Irvine Patients

Common questions from Irvine patients about our eye care services

At EyeCare Center of Orange County, we diagnose phthiriasis palpebrarum (eyelash lice) using advanced diagnostic equipment including corneal topography, OCT imaging, and comprehensive eye examinations. For Irvine's tech professionals, we assess how digital device usage and work environment may be contributing to or masking symptoms during your diagnostic evaluation.
We offer comprehensive treatment options for phthiriasis palpebrarum (eyelash lice) including specialty contact lenses, medical therapy, and advanced procedures. Irvine tech workers benefit from treatments optimized for screen use—we recommend solutions that maintain visual clarity through long hours of near work.
Call (714) 558-1182 or book online. Initial consultations take 60-90 minutes and include comprehensive testing. Irvine professionals can schedule around work—we offer lunch-hour and late-afternoon appointments with minimal wait times.
Yes, we accept most major vision and medical insurance plans including VSP, EyeMed, Medicare, and Medi-Cal for phthiriasis palpebrarum (eyelash lice) diagnosis and treatment. We verify your coverage and discuss costs before any procedures.

Have more questions? Call us at (714) 558-1182

Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice) Care for Irvine Residents

Irvine patients seeking care for phthiriasis palpebrarum (eyelash lice) benefit from our 35+ years of clinical experience and advanced diagnostic capabilities. Many Irvine residents work in screen-intensive professions, so we factor digital lifestyle demands into our diagnostic and treatment recommendations. We provide thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs. Whether your condition requires ongoing monitoring, medical therapy, or surgical co-management, our practice ensures continuity of care from diagnosis through recovery.

About Irvine

Highly educated tech hub with large Asian-American population

Population: 307,000+

Tech professionalsUniversity studentsYoung familiesHigh income households

Languages Spoken in Irvine

Our practice serves the diverse Irvine community. We provide care to patients who speak:

EnglishMandarinKoreanFarsiVietnamese

Eye Health Priorities for Irvine

  • Computer vision syndrome treatment
  • Digital eye strain solutions
  • Blue light protection
  • Dry eye from reduced blinking
  • Ergonomic vision consultations

Conveniently Located Near Irvine Landmarks

Our Orange County practice is easily accessible for Irvine patients living near:

Irvine Spectrum Center
UC Irvine
Great Park
Irvine Medical Center

Getting to Our Office from Irvine

Drive Time
15 min
Primary Route
5 Freeway
Distance
4.8 mi

Irvine patients typically reach our Santa Ana office via the 5 Freeway in approximately 15 minutes. Free on-site parking is available in our building.

801 N Tustin Ave, Ste 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705 — Get Directions

Irvine Neighborhoods We Serve

  • Woodbridge
  • University Park
  • Northwood
  • Turtle Rock
  • Quail Hill
  • Woodbury

Zip codes: 92602, 92603, 92604, 92606, 92612, 92614, 92617, 92618, 92620, 92697

Why Irvine Patients Choose EyeCare Center for Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice)

Corneal Specialty Practice

Dr. Bonakdar has 35+ years treating corneal conditions including phthiriasis palpebrarum (eyelash lice), with advanced slit lamp and topography diagnostics.

Scleral Lens Expertise

Custom scleral and specialty contact lens fittings for irregular corneas, dry eye, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Same-Day Urgent Visits

Irvine patients with acute corneal symptoms can often be seen the same day for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Coordinated Surgical Care

When corneal surgery is needed, we coordinate with top corneal surgeons and manage your complete pre- and post-operative care.

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar - Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Your Phthiriasis Palpebrarum (Eyelash Lice) Specialist in Irvine

Dr. Alexander Bonakdar is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 35 years of experience treating phthiriasis palpebrarum (eyelash lice) and complex eye conditions. Trained at the #1-ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he has helped over 10,000 patients achieve and maintain clear vision.

35+ Years10,000+ PatientsBascom Palmer
Learn more about Dr. Bonakdar →

Patient Stories from Irvine

See why your neighbors in Irvine trust us with their vision.

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Santa Ana, CA

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