Periorbital Cellulitis Overview
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, which 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.
Albany Medical College
Edward Wladis is an Ophthalmologist in Albany, New York. Dr. Wladis is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Periorbital Cellulitis. His top areas of expertise are Orbital Cellulitis, Periorbital Cellulitis, Eyelid Drooping, Tissue Biopsy, and Endoscopy.
Peter Gill practices in Oxford, United Kingdom. Mr. Gill is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Periorbital Cellulitis. His top areas of expertise are Orbital Cellulitis, Periorbital Cellulitis, Cellulitis, and Bronchitis.
Terence Ang practices in Adelaide, Australia. Mr. Ang is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Periorbital Cellulitis. His top areas of expertise are Orbital Cellulitis, Periorbital Cellulitis, Dacryoadenitis, and Orbital Pseudotumor.
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 31, 2023
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. Periocular infections. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 116.
Olitsky SE, Marsh JD, Jackson MA. Orbital infections. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, ed. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 674.