Preseptal Cellulitis

Preseptal Cellulitis

Preseptal Cellulitis is an infectious condition of the eyelids which typically presents with tender and red eyelids, unilateral or bilateral, and perhaps a mild fever. In severe cases, the eyelids may be so tensely swollen that the eye may not open. There is no pain with eye movement, however.

The diagnosis is a clinical one, though in severe cases, a CT or MRI scan may be required to rule-out orbital cellulitis (see below). In adults, the causative agent is usually a staphylococcus ("staph") or streptococcus ("strep"). In children, a bacteria known as Hemophilus influenza may be causative. The latter bacteria is not associated with the common flu, which is caused by the influenza virus. Sinusitis is probably the most commonly associated infectious condition, but the physician will also consider the possibility of puncture wounds, lacerations, retained foreign bodies following trauma, and other localized infectious processes.

Treatment is with oral antibiotics in most cases though IV antibiotics and even hospitalization may be required in more severe cases. The attending physician usually monitors the patient every one to three days until the condition resolves.

Related Conditions

Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Sinusitis

Related Eye Procedures

There are no related Eye Procedures.

Related Specialties

Cataract / General
Oculoplastic
Pediatric

Related Tests

CT-Scan
MRI
Ophthalmoscopy
Pupil reflex test
Slit-lamp examination
Visual acuity

EyeMd

......

Differentiation of orbital cellulitis from preseptal cellulitis by computed tomography

Pediatrics/AAAPPublications

......

Eye Infections and Conjunctivities

Univ Hawaii

......

Preseptal Cellulitis

eMedicine