Alternative Names
Preseptal cellulitis
Definition of Periorbital cellulitis
Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding the eye.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Periorbital cellulitis is most common in children under age 6.
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 () or limit its movements.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 12/1/2009
