Highlights & Basics
- Periorbital cellulitis (also known as preseptal cellulitis) is an infective process occurring in the eyelid tissues superficial to (anterior to) the orbital septum. It is usually due to superficial tissue injury (e.g., insect bite or chalazion) or adjacent sinusitis.
- Orbital cellulitis is an infective process affecting soft tissue within the orbit, posterior or deep to the orbital septum, not involving the globe. It is usually due to underlying bacterial sinusitis.
- Periorbital cellulitis is of concern in children because it may be secondary to occult underlying bacterial sinusitis or, rarely, due to bacteremic spread from a primary infection (e.g., pneumonia), and may rapidly progress to orbital cellulitis in children.
- Complications include subperiosteal abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis, intracranial abscess, and subsequent loss of vision and/or death.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
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Definition
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Citations
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Hamed-Azzam S, AlHashash I, Briscoe D, et al. Common orbital infections ~ state of the art ~ Part I. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2018 Apr-Jun;13(2):175-82.[Abstract][Full Text]
American Academy of Ophthalmology. Orbital cellulitis. Apr 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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