Periorbital CellulitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Periorbital Cellulitis
Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the eyelid or skin around the eye.
Preseptal cellulitis
Periorbital cellulitis can occur at any age, but more commonly affects children younger than 5 years old.
This infection can occur after a scratch, injury, or bug bite around the eye, which allows germs to enter the wound. It can also extend from a nearby site that is infected, such as the sinuses.
Periorbital cellulitis is different than orbital cellulitis, which is an infection of the fat and muscles around the eye. In contrast to periorbital cellulitis, orbital cellulitis is a dangerous infection that can cause lasting problems and deeper infections.
Symptoms include:
- Redness around the eye or in the white part of the eye
- Swelling of the eyelid, whites of eyes, and surrounding area
This condition usually does not affect vision or cause eye pain.
Antibiotics are given by mouth, by shots, or through a vein (intravenously; IV) to help fight the infection.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Emily Li, M.D., is an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon at the Wilmer Eye Institute’s locations in Water’s Edge, White Marsh and Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Li specializes in functional and cosmetic surgeries of the eyelids, forehead and face. She also performs surgeries of the tear drainage system, surgeries in the eye socket and endoscopic procedures. She has experience treating patients of all ages, ranging from children to adult patients having oculoplastic surgery. After earning undergraduate and medical degrees from the eight-year combined baccalaureate-medical Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) at Brown University, Dr. Li completed ophthalmology residency training at Yale University. She subsequently underwent subspecialty training by completing the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship at the University of Washington. Dr. Li is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Periorbital Cellulitis. Her top areas of expertise are Orbital Cellulitis, Periorbital Cellulitis, Ptosis, Eyelid Drooping, and Tissue Biopsy.
Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons PC
. Dr. Clark is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Periorbital Cellulitis. His top areas of expertise are Glaucoma, Cataract, Periorbital Cellulitis, and Dry Eye Syndrome.
Medical Education Assistance Corporation
. Dr. Youssef is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Periorbital Cellulitis. Her top areas of expertise are Sepsis, Endocarditis, Pneumonia, and Cellulitis.
Periorbital cellulitis almost always improves with treatment. In rare cases, the infection spreads into the eye socket, resulting in orbital cellulitis.
Contact your provider right away if:
- The eye becomes red or swollen
- Symptoms get worse after treatment
- Fever develops along with eye symptoms
- It is difficult or painful to move the eye
- The eye looks like it is sticking (bulging) out
- There are vision changes.
Published Date: December 13, 2025
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Durand ML, Barshak MB. Periocular infections. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 118.
Olitsky SE, Marsh JD, Jackson MA. Orbital infections. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 674.