Preseptal cellulitis is an eye condition that develops in and around the eyelid. Although this condition is similar in some ways to orbital cellulitis, the two conditions should not be confused. Preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis are bothersome diseases for those affected because the eyelid begins to swell. This is one of the reasons why it is best to get diagnosed early to treat the condition as soon as possible. What is preseptal cellulitis? How is it different from orbital cellulitis? What is the treatment? Get all the answers to your questions here.
Preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis
Preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis are distinct eye conditions. However, they share some of the same symptoms. They both develop around the orbital septum, the membrane between the upper and lower eyelids of the eye. While preseptal cellulitis develops on the surface of the membrane, orbital cellulitis usually begins behind it.
Orbital cellulitis is more serious than preseptal cellulitis, as it affects vision and can cause widespread infection. Preseptal cellulitis is more common than orbital cellulitis.
Both diseases are most often seen in children.
Preseptal cellulitis | Definition
Preseptal cellulitis is also frequently called periorbital cellulitis. It is an eyelid infection in front of the orbital septum. Therefore, it can infect the eyelid, skin and tissues around the eye.
Visually, preseptal cellulitis starts to appear as redness in the eyelid. The tissue around the eye may become warm and swollen, making it difficult to open the eyelid.
Orbital cellulitis | Definition
Orbital cellulitis is an eyelid infection in front of the orbital septum. The affected person will notice redness around the eyelid and often an abscess. Most often, people affected by orbital cellulitis also develop a fever.
What causes preseptal cellulite?
This eye condition is usually a symptom of an infection in the face or eye. There are many possible causes. These include:
- An infection in the sinuses
- An infection of the lacrimal duct
- An eye injury
- A stye
- A chalazion
- Sinusitis
- A dermatological infection on the face
- Recent eye or facial surgery
- An animal bite or an insect bite on the face
- An oral infection
What are the symptoms of preseptal cellulitis?
A person affected by preseptal cellulitis will see the colour of the eyelid and possibly the skin surrounding the eye turn red. Sometimes the skin and the affected eyelid will swell, becoming warm and painful to the touch.
If the swelling of the skin makes it difficult to open the eye, eye movement and vision are usually unaffected. However, swelling and fever may occur.
What is the treatment for preseptal cellulite?
The treatment prescribed after medical diagnosis systematically contains antibiotics. If the affected adult or child has a severe infection or cannot take oral medication, hospitalization may be recommended, whereby antibiotics str administered intravenously.
Even if hospitalization is involved, as a parent, rest assured. Preseptal cellulitis is a benign disease that is very treatable. Once a child begins antibiotic treatment, the condition usually improves within 24 to 48 hours.
Most often, the total duration of the treatment is 7 to 10 days.
If you or your child has the following symptoms, make an appointment as quickly as possible if you notice:
- Significant swelling of the eyelid
- The eyelid becomes very sore
- Vision is impacted
