Periorbital Cellulitis Overview

Definition

Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding the eye.

Symptoms

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.

Causes

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 .

Other Names

Preseptal cellulitis