How To Spot Periorbital Cellulitis

The meaning of periorbital cellulitis is all in the name. Periorbital refers to the tissues surrounding or lining the orbit of the eye. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the inner layers of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Periorbital cellulitis is clarified to indicate it is anterior to the orbital septum, distinguishing it from orbital cellulitis. Periorbital cellulitis is an infection with inflammation of the eyelid and immediately surrounding structures. It may be an infection localized to this region of the body, independent of other regions. However, it also may be a spread of infection from another area, such as sinusitis. More recently, this infection has been dramatically reduced in incidence rate due to a vaccine available for Haemophilus Influenzae, which is known to cause periorbital cellulitis. Get to know the symptoms of periorbital cellulitis now.

Reddened White Of The Eye

Periorbital cellulitis is most common in children under two years old. Also known as preseptal cellulitis, periorbital cellulitis is separated from spreading to the eye itself by a layer of tissue. Frequently, periorbital cellulitis is triggered by bacteria that get into cracks in the skin around the eyelid or a stye, which is a bump on the eyelid, typically near the lashes, that occurs when a gland on the eyelid becomes infected. This infection does not impact the eye itself, therefore vision is preserved. However, it causes the white of the eye, the sclera, to become irritated. This reddened white of the eye is often the first symptom of periorbital cellulitis and should be evaluated immediately.

Learn more about the signs of periorbital cellulitis now.