How do Preseptal and orbital cellulitis differ?

Periorbital cellulitis is also called preseptal cellulitis because it affects the structures in front of the septum, such as the eyelid and skin around the eye. Orbital cellulitis involves the eyeball itself, the fat around it, and the nerves that go to the eye.

How is Preseptal cellulitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on history, examination, and CT or MRI. Treatment is with antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage. Preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis are distinct diseases that share a few clinical symptoms and signs.

Is orbital cellulitis unilateral or bilateral?

Orbital cellulitis typically presents with unilateral eyelid erythema and edema, often with conjunctival chemosis, ophthalmoplegia, and pain with extraocular movement. Systemic findings may include fever, leukocytosis, and malaise. Bilateral symptoms should raise suspicion for posterior extension.

How common is Preseptal cellulitis?

Periorbital cellulitis can occur at any age, but it is especially common in the pediatric population. Periorbital cellulitis is more common than orbital cellulitis. Some studies suggest a mortality rate ranging from 5% to 25% of periorbital or orbital cellulitis with intracranial complications.

Is orbital cellulitis an emergency?

Orbital cellulitis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away. Call your health care provider if there are signs of eyelid swelling, especially with a fever.

Is Preseptal cellulitis serious?

Preseptal cellulitis is usually not serious when treated right away. It can clear up quickly with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can lead to a more serious condition called orbital cellulitis.

Is preseptal cellulitis serious?

Is preseptal cellulitis an emergency?

How long does orbital cellulitis take to heal?

If surgery wasn’t done and you improve, you can expect to transition from IV to oral antibiotics after 1 to 2 weeks. Oral antibiotics will be needed for another 2 to 3 weeks or until your symptoms completely disappear.

How serious is cellulitis of the eye?

Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues within the eye socket. It is a serious condition that, without treatment, can lead to permanent vision loss and life-threatening complications.

How do you treat orbital cellulitis at home?

These include:

1. Covering your wound. Properly covering the affected skin will help it heal and prevent irritation.
2. Keeping the area clean.
3. Elevating the affected area.
4. Applying a cool compress.
5. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
6. Treating any underlying conditions.
7. Taking all your antibiotics.

How is preseptal cellulitis treated?

Preseptal cellulitis is treated with oral antibiotics. Traditionally, amoxicillin-clavulanate has been commonly used as a first-line treatment. Third-generation cephalosporins, such as cefpodoxime and cefdinir, are also commonly used.

What’s the difference between preseptal and orbital cellulitis?

Preseptal cellulitis is differentiated from orbital cellulitis according to where the infection is in relation to the orbital septum. Preseptal infection occurs anterior to the orbital septum, while orbital cellulitis affects the area posterior to the septum.

When to see an ophthalmologist for preseptal cellulitis?

The presence of a local nidus of infection on the skin makes preseptal cellulitis even more likely. Suspect orbital cellulitis and consult an ophthalmologist if there is decreased ocular motility, pain with eye movements, proptosis, or decreased visual acuity.

What are the signs and symptoms of orbital cellulitis?

Photo courtesy of James Garrity, MD. Symptoms and signs of orbital cellulitis include swelling and redness of the eyelid and surrounding soft tissues, conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis, decreased ocular motility, pain with eye movements, decreased visual acuity, and proptosis caused by orbital swelling.

How is periorbital edema different from orbital cellulitis?

Although it is associated with orbital cellulitis, periorbital edema can occur without infection, but this condition can be identified by a lack of induration or tenderness. The causative organism is related to the pathogenesis of infection. Post-traumatic periorbital cellulitis usually is caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.