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Alternative Names Return to top
Preseptal cellulitisDefinition Return to top
Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding the eye.
Causes Return to top
Periorbital cellulitis is most common in children under age 6.
It can be the result of minor trauma to the area around the eye, or it may extend from another site of infection, such as sinusitis.
Symptoms Return to top
There is generally redness and swelling of the eyelid and the surrounding area. Unlike orbital cellulitis (a more extensive infection involving deeper tissue), periorbital cellulitis does not cause the eyeball to protrude (proptosis) or limit its movements.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Although periorbital cellulitis rarely has complications, any infection near the eye and close to the brain is potentially serious. It is important to call your doctor immediately if you think that you or your child may have periorbital cellulitis.
Update Date: 11/12/2007 Updated by: Rachel A. Lewis, M.D., F.A.A.P., Columbia University Pediatric Family Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
